Kermit Roger Hollingsworth

Kermit Roger Hollingsworth, 83, of Kokomo, died at 10:21 pm on Tuesday January 31, 2023. He was born in Kokomo on October 1, 1939, he was the son of Kermit Wesley and Ruth (Devore) Hollingsworth. He grew up in Galveston where he was active in Scouting, achieved the rank of Star Scout, and stayed close friends with his brother scouts and Scoutmaster Wayne Bahler for the rest of their lives. Roger graduated from Galveston High School, became a Free Mason, and was a lifetime member of the NRA. Roger was a member of the Fellowship of Hope Club, proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a member of the 82nd Airborne. He enjoyed researching his family genealogy. Roger retired from Chrysler after a career as a tool and die maker. Just like his father before him, he was known at work as “Holly.”

Roger continued an active lifestyle in retirement. He enjoyed many summer picnic gatherings at France Park with his family friends Aaron and Monica Logan and their extended family. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, going Big Game hunting all over the world with his good friend Stevie, and continually strived each day to be the best version of himself. He was known for his kindness, loyalty to his family and friends, love of 3-D puzzles, keen intellect, and love of the outdoors. He once said, “Nature is my church building.” A deeply private man, he felt a reverence and respect for all living things. If you had the opportunity to visit his home, you would know that no part of any animal was ever wasted. His lifetime collection of trophy mounts lined the walls, his front room table held the full-sized puma, and lastly, the hippopotamus head end table was the trophy of an unexpected hunt during his trip to Africa. The hippo was threatening a village’s watering hole and Roger was asked to help. The meat from the hippo fed 5 different villages.

He is survived by his companion of many years, Heather Sheagley; former wife and friend, Nedra Hollingsworth; sisters,  Pam (Doug) Myers, Roberta (Edward) Dawson, and Paula Name; sons, Michael (Stacy) McCartney, Ty (Teresa) Hollingsworth; grandchildren, Katherine (fiancé Zye Reid) Hollingsworth, Ivan Hollingsworth, Viola Hollingsworth, Lucy Hollingsworth, Brandon McCartney, Brittany (Nate) Hursh, Amy (Nick) Dunlap, and Nick Reed; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; close friends, Stevie, Dave, Joe, Cookie, Liz and family, and Michelle.

He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Ronald Name; and devoted canines, Claire and Little Dog.

Roger’s family would like to thank Heather Sheagley, Heather Atkins, and Jermaine Claitt for their compassionate and selfless care they gave around the clock to Roger for the last 5 1/2 weeks of his life. Thank you to Elara Caring Hospice. Thank you also to Hayden for helping in any way needed. Thank you to Jermaine’s daughers Jebréa and Maxine for supplying the smiles, new Fridge Art, and the happy sounds of childhood throughout the house that was music to Roger’s ears. The Kismet you have all been during this difficult time is beyond measure.

May his memory be blessed, and may the Good Lord lift him up and hold him close.

In honor of Roger’s wishes, he will be cremated and private burial will take place in Albright Cemetery. A memorial gathering will take place 1:00 to 1:30 pm Saturday February 18, 2023, at the Fellowship of Hope, 1301 North Webster Street, Kokomo, IN 46901. Memorial service will begin at 1:30 on Saturday at the Fellowship of Hope. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

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