Dawn Renee Thomas

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who left this world on May 3, 2026 at the age of 61. She was born on March 14, 1965, the daughter of James E. Harris and Belva D. (Hinders) Yocum. She was the devoted wife of nearly 41 years to her loving husband, David, with whom she built a life rooted in commitment, laughter, and unwavering partnership.   They were married on June 1, 1985 at Main Street United Methodist Church.

She was a proud and loving mother to her two daughters and warmly welcomed their husbands into the family as her own.  Her greatest pride and happiness came from her role as “Grandma” to her grandson and granddaughter.

Family was at the center of everything she did.  She especially treasured family vacations to Ft. Myers Beach and Madeira Beach, creating lasting memories with her children and grandchildren that will be carried on for generations.  She loved going on weekend trips with David. Her love was constant, her presence comforting, and her home a place where everyone felt welcome. 

She found peace and happiness in gardening, where she nurtured not only her plants but also her sense of calm and fulfillment.  Her care for the things she loved extended to everyone around her.   Dawn also enjoyed reading and working on puzzles.

Dawn was a 1983 graduate of Haworth High School and earned her associates degree at International Business College in 1984. She worked in sales support at Pioneer Hybrid in Tipton for the past 15 years. Prior to her employment at Pioneer Hybrid, Dawn was employed at Electronic Data Systems until 2010. 

Dawn is survived by her husband, David; children, Melissa (Corey) Matricia and Meghan (Colin) Zwiebel; grandchildren, Brody Matricia, Vivian Zwiebel and a granddaughter on the way; mother, Belva Yocum; brother, Shawn (Amy) Harris; sisters-in-law, Joni (Brett) Colby, Lori (Brian) Green, Jami (Jeff) Sharp, Jodi (Jim) Hullinger, and Kari (Chris) Neuhauser; mother-in-law, Joan Thomas; stepsiblings, Randy (Charlotte) Kennedy, Debbie Kennedy, and Tammy Kennedy; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, James E. Harris; stepfather, Charles Yocum; father-in-law, Joe O. Thomas; and stepbrother, Chuck Kennedy.

Dawn will be deeply missed by her family but also remembered for her kindness, her strength, and her love for her family.  Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

A funeral service celebrating Dawn’s life will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd, Kokomo. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery in Greentown. Friends are invited to visit with family from 4 pm to 7 pm, Monday, May 11, 2026 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kokomo Humane Society. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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