Stephen K. Heronemus

Stephen “Hero” Heronemus, 79, died on May 29 at Ascension St. Vincent in Kokomo, after battling a long-term illness.  Mr. Heronemus was born September 7, 1946 in Kokomo, the son of the late Richard W. and Gladys M. (Floyd) Heronemus.  On April 19, 1969 in Kokomo, he married his wife of 57 years, Vivian E. (Bakken), and she survives.

He is survived by his children, Michael (Heather) Heronemus, Erie, MI, Lisa (John) Hess, and brother, Richard (Valery) Heronemus, Lebanon, TN.  Grandchildren include, Christopher Heronemus, Patrick Hess, Shaylie (Caleb) Eads, Trevor Stucker; and “blood-brother” Roger (Glenda)Tudor.  His parents; and his sisters, Mari Lynn and Patricia (Lyons) Hunt preceded him in death. 

He attended Sharpsville-Prairie High School, then enlisted in the Army, where he was deployed to Germany and Vietnam.  He was employed by Chrysler Corporation in Kokomo for 30 years.

Mr. Heronemus had a slew of hobbies, including playing softball for 25 years. He also was also skilled at shooting pool and playing golf. He umpired little league games at UCT Park. He was a 50- year member of Naphtali Masonic Lodge, Disabled American Veterans, and was a member of the UAW Local 685.  

In the winter, he became a trapper through Cass, Howard, and Tipton counties.  He learned how to tan furs, including deer. When trapping became too difficult, he began creating treasures with a scroll saw. He and his wife, together, were able to travel to all 50 States in the first 50 years of their marriage.  

One of his biggest accomplishments fell during his time as captain of VFW Post 1152 Military Rites Team.  Not only did he help make VFW Post 1152 one of the best in the state but also attended military rights funerals for 3377 funerals-- the most of anyone in Indiana.

Masonic Rites will be observed at 1 pm Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W Lincoln Rd,, Kokomo. Friends may visit with the family following the Masonic Rites until 3:00 pm Sunday.  A funeral service celebrating Hero’s life will be held at 1 pm on Monday, June 8, 2026, at the funeral home, beginning with a “Walk Through” by the Kokomo VFW 1152 Military Rites team, 40 & 8, and the American Legion.  Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Kokomo VFW 1152 Military Rites Team.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in “Hero’s” memory to the Heronemus Scholarship.  Mail contributions to Community Foundation of Howard County, 215 W. Sycamore, Kokomo, IN 46901, or by visiting CFHowardorg.  The scholarship will go to a child from family services, kindred, or the child of a veteran for higher education. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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