Edward "Ed" Carl Kammeyer

Edward Carl Kammeyer, 87, Kokomo, passed away on May 20, 2025, surrounded by his wife and two daughters.     He was born October 6, 1937, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was the son of Lucile Marie (Witzigrueter) and Carl Henry Kammeyer.   He married Carolyn Sue Dixon on June 11, 1960, in Kokomo, Indiana.

Ed graduated from Fort Wayne Central High School in 1955, earned a BA degree from Earlham College in 1959, and an MA degree from Ball State Teachers College in 1964.  He began his teaching career of 38 years at Huntertown, Indiana, (now Carroll of Allen County). In 1962, he and Carolyn moved to Kokomo where he continued his career in education, first teaching at Maple Crest Middle School, then dedicating the remainder of his career as a guidance counselor at Haworth High School and Kokomo High School.

His passion for sports and developing young people was a constant theme throughout his lifetime.  Ed ran on track and cross-country teams from junior high school through college.  He coached basketball while teaching at Huntertown and Maple Crest, then coached baseball with Babe Ruth summer baseball programs.  At Haworth High School, he created a club for student athletes who had been awarded a letter (The Letterman’s club or H-Club).  His support of youth athletes continued as a public address announcer for all Haworth High School football and boys’ basketball games (the Voice of the Huskies) and as an inspector at Kokomo Relays for 50 years. He also co-founded the DARE program in the Kokomo School system.

One of Ed’s proudest accomplishments came after graduating from Earlham College.  Ed and a college friend (Neil Sowards) reenacted the journey of the Courier-de-Bois fur traders of the 17th century.  This adventure began at Lake Erie, followed the Maumee River to Wabash River, Ohio River, Mississippi River to New Orleans.  This reenactment entailed traveling by canoe for 1555 miles and camping along the riverbanks for 55 days.

Ed loved spending time at the family lake home in northern Indiana.  Following retirement in 1997, he and Carolyn turned their love of sports into focusing on following the athletics and activities of their five grandchildren.  They enjoyed winters with friends and family in Sebring, Florida, for the majority of their retirement.  They traveled extensively in retirement, including several cruises with their entire family.  He attended First Friends Church in Kokomo.   Ed was member of the Elks Club, Phi Delta Kappa education fraternity, the Masons, and the Scottish Rite.  He was also a member of Retired ISTA and NEA, and Howard County Retired Teachers.

Ed is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Carolyn Sue (Dixon) Kammeyer; his daughters, Cynthia (Chris) Baerman, Kimberly (Jeff) Matsuoka; his grandchildren Christine (Tyler) Stepp, Cameron (Jessica) Baerman, Morgan Matsuoka, Laura (Jonathan) Morales, and Kelly Matsuoka; his great grandchildren Austin and Cooper Stepp, and Jack and Jennifer Baerman, and brother Charles (Connie) Kammeyer. 

He was preceded in his death by his parents. 

The family wishes to thank Primrose Retirement Community for their love care and support.

A memorial service celebrating Ed’s life will take place at 11 am on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor’s Michael Carson, and Joe Johnson. Burial will follow in New London Cemetery.  Friends may visit with the family from 3 pm to 7 pm on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Memorial contributions be made to the Kokomo Schools Education Foundation – Kammeyer Scholarship, a scholarship fund which supports student athletes at Kokomo high school to pursue their advanced education. Memorial may be mailed to Kokomo School Corporation, 1500 S. Washington St., Kokomo, IN. 46902. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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