Jon Richard Handy

September 28, 1936 - June 3, 2026

Jon "Sensei" Handy, 89, of Kokomo, peacefully passed from the devoted care of his loving wife, Stefanie, and their family into the arms of the Savior on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

Jon was born in Logansport, Indiana, on September 28, 1936, to Orma and Lucille Handy, and spent most of his long and rich life as an active member of the Kokomo community. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force and served in Hawai'i, where he met and married Stefanie ("Stevie" to him and all who know her) in a partnership that lasted 63 years.

Jon and Stevie moved to Kokomo after his service, where he turned a love for technology and problem-solving into a career at Delco as a circuit board and IC draftsman/designer that spanned more than 30 years. He and Stevie raised three daughters and a son, and built a life centered around family, faith, and community involvement. As a fifth-degree black belt in karate, Jon became a coach and mentor to hundreds of students as the head of the Phi Delta Kappa Karate Academy, where he found special joy inspiring kids to find purpose through self-discipline and competition. He also served as a member and tournament promoter for the Professional Karate Commission (PKC) to support a sport that he held dear. Jon took on many other roles within Phi Delta Kappa, serving as President of the Beta Nu Chapter and the National President, was a frequent (and award-winning) contributor to the organization's national magazine, and never passed up the opportunity to serve his community, make a toast, or dance the night away at club events. He was also involved in the establishment of the Howard County Vietnam Veterans Organization. Over the years, he was an active member of several area churches, finally at Beulah Land Church in Sharpsville, where he taught Bible studies, and he and Stevie found fellowship with family and so many dear friends in the love of Christ.

In addition to his wife Stevie, Jon is survived by his sister Joyce Welbaum, his four loving children, Carole (Doug) Tinsley, Chris Nichols, Jeff (Sharon) Handy, and Jenny Bray, as well as 14 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren who will miss the wisdom, playfulness, magic tricks, and wicked Scrabble mastery of their Grandpa with all their hearts.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Orma and Lucille Handy, his brother, Don Handy, and sisters, Sue Beard and Janet Handy.

Friends are invited to share condolences and memories of Jon on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 1pm to 2pm, followed by a memorial service at 2pm at Beulah Land Church, 6569 N 400 W, Sharpsville, Indiana, 46068. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Beulah Land Church.