William W. Buchanan Wanatah, IN William W. Buchanan, age 89, of Wanatah, IN, passed peacefully to join the Lord on Wednesday, May 7, 2008.

March 7, 1919 – May 7, 2008 William, or “Bill”, as most people knew him, was born on March 7, 1919 in Waverly, TN. He was one of nine children born to Julia Lee & William Henry Buchanan, both of whom preceded him in death as well as six of his siblings, Cora Lee, Mildred, Luther, Edith, Leonard, and Arthur D. Bill served in the United States Army during WW II, earning two bronze stars. He fought courageously in the Battle of the Bulge, as well as in England, Belgium, Iceland and Germany. It was while in the service that he became a pen pal to Elizabeth “Libby” Marshall of Clarksville, TN. After three years of correspondence, they were married at the Hickory Point Methodist Church in Hickory Point, TN on October 30, 1945. The Buchanan’s moved to Wanatah in 1960, where Bill was a Union Plumber, Local 210, and retired from Valparaiso Plumbing in 1982. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, Westville.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Libby, his sons James (Betty) Buchanan, of Marshall, TX, Phillip (Mia) Buchanan, of Wanatah, Mark Buchanan, of Dallas, TX, and a daughter, Evon (George) Manz of Scottsdale, AZ, along with grandchildren, Katie (Jason) Lockwood, Lewis and William Buchanan, April (Aurelien) Buchanan-Papelard, Erik (Elena) Powers, Amanda (Travis) Luebbehusen, Erica Pinney, and four Great-Grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, J. W. Buchanan, of Waverly, TN and his sister, Estelle Littleton of Columbia, TN.

Visitation will be on Saturday, May 10th at The Faith United Methodist Church, 15555 S. 900 W, Wanatah, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Funeral service will immediately follow at the church with Rev. Deborah Miller officiating.

Burial will follow at Faith United Methodist Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions can be made in William Buchanan’s memory to: Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Gift Records Office, VU Station B 357727, Nashville, TN 37235-7727, or to Faith United Methodist Church. www.WanatahFuneralChapel.com

Robert Nolan Howell Wanatah, IN Robert Nolan Howell, 92, of Wanatah, passed away Sunday, October 25, 2009 at Porter Hospital.

July 3, 1917 – October 25, 2009

He was born July 3, 1917 in Rolfe, Iowa the son of Wyman and Lovella (Spangler) Howell and graduated from Clinton Township High School. He was a member of Faith United Methodist Church and a Past Master of the Westville Masonic Lodge. Robert had been an area dairy farmer for many years and will be remembered for his diligent work and dedication to his family.

On June 21, 1941 he married Hazel Dickenson who survives along with their three children: Jeanne Howell of Wanatah, Norman (Susan) Howell of Monticello and Mary Ellen Philips of Virginia; brother, James (Norma) Howell of Wanatah; 11 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Joanne Lapell Soliday in 1999; and three sisters: Vivian, Helen and Marian. Robert and Hazel took a special pleasure in square dancing at events throughout the region for over 30 years.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 3:00 PM at Faith United Methodist Church, 1555 S. 900 W., Wanatah, IN with Pastor Mark Brock officiating. Private burial of ashes will take place at a later date at Westville Cemetery. WanatahFuneralChapel.com

Larry D. Moser age 69, of Brownsburg, passed away Nov. 22, 2009.

1940 – November 22, 2009 A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sondra; children, Denise (Paul) Tilden, Tim (Lisa) Moser, and Kris (Jason) Phillips; grandchildren, Jessica, Jasmine, Emily, Evan, Rodney, and Alex; brothers, Richard, Sam, Mike, and Jeff Moser. He was preceded in death by parents, Henry and Berneice Moser; and brother, Ron Moser.

He was a custom home builder and owner of Moser Building Corp. Larry was a member of Connection Pointe Christian Church and an avid Colts fan.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Sat., Nov. 28 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg, with visitation from 3-5 p.m., Fri., Nov. 27 and one hour prior to the funeral on Sat. Burial will be at Lizton K of P Cemetery

JOHN D. SARVER FORMERLY OF LAPORTE, IN

August 16,1947 – April 15, 2010 John D. Sarver, age 62 of Dunnellon, FL, formerly of LaPorte, passed away April 15, 2010.

John was born on August 16, 1947 to Donald and Jayne (Coan) Sarver. John married Kathy Corish, who survives him, on October 27, 1973 in Michigan City. He is survived also by their children: Tamara Fuller of MI, Bobbie (Mark) Flotow of New Carlisle, Michelle (Eldon) Miller of Granger, and Heather (Jeff) Nieman of Michigan City, 16 grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. John is also survived by a sister, Debra; a brother, Dallas; and two special cousins: Jackie and Carla. He was preceded in death by his parents: Donald and Jayne.

John worked as a heavy equipment operator.He was a proud member of the Local 150, the Westville Masonic Lodge #192, the Masons, formerly of the American Legion Post 21 before he transferred his membership down to Florida, and was a Triker of the BTW.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 22, 2010 from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Newhard Funeral Home in Westville. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 23, 2010 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Rev. Albert Stutzman officiating. Burial will take place at Pinhook Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner’s Children Hospital.  To sign an online guestbook for John, please visit www.newhardfuneralhome.com

Leslie Earl Howell, Esquire, CPA Leslie Earl Howell, Esq., 94, passed into the loving arms of our Lord on February 11, 2010.

March 14, 1915 – February 11, 2010

He was born in the family farmhouse north of Wanatah, La Porte County, Indiana on March 14, 1915. Les was the son of Scott Graham and Maranda Lina Kruger Howell. Working for a government contractor, he proudly served his country in Africa and South America during World War II. He became a CPA in 1939 and earned a law degree from Indiana University, Bloomington in 1947. He was a member of the American Bar Association and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In 1961 he was honorably discharged from all appointments as a Major in the United States Air Force Reserve. He taught Accounting Principals at Indiana University School of Business and Accounting Theory and Practice at Butler University School of Business. He practiced law for 51 years before the United States Supreme Court; the Indiana Supreme Court; the United States Circuit Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit; United States District Court, Southern District of Indiana; the Court of Military Appeals; and the United States Tax Court. In addition, he served as Executive Vice President of Jenn-Air Corporation, Indianapolis; and as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Monon Bank, Monon, Indiana. In his spare time, you could find him riding his quarter horse stallion, Mickey, herding his prize Charolais cattle; or riding his green John Deere. He loved good home Hoosier cooking and his green tea. Most of all he loved his family.

In June, 1983 he was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean Nannette Kent, whom he married on May 1, 1942 in South Bend, Indiana. He is survived by his second wife, Betty L Howell whom he married on December 9, 2002; and, by his daughters and their spouses, Lucinda and James Greene and Priscilla and Peter Austgen. In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren and their respective spouses, John Greene, Nora Greene, James and Jennifer Austgen, John and Ashley Austgen and Kathryn Austgen and Sean Murphy; and, his great-grandsons, Logan and Kaleb.

He will be missed by many extended family members too numerous to mention. The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and personnel of The Heart Center, St. Vincent Hospital, Westview Hospital and Hoosier Village who all cared for Les as if he were their father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District, Yampa, Colorado or the American Quarter Horse Association.

A service will be held on Monday, February 15, 2010 at 10 am EST at the Peace Chapel, Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, IN. Arrangements: Crown Hill Funeral Home.Leslie Earl Howell

Stevenson “Steve” Wesley Hunt

Valparaiso, IN July 18, 1922 – February 15, 2011

Stevenson “Steve” Wesley Hunt, 88, of Valparaiso, passed away Tuesday, February 15, 2011.

He was born July 18, 1922 in Sunshine, KY to Fielden H. and Florence (Mounts) Hunt. On July 13, 1940 in Belfrey, KY, he married Evelyn Young who survives. Also surviving are his children: David (Judy) Hunt of Westville, Patricia (Don) Detterman of Willard, OH, and Wilson (Darlene) Hunt of Westville; 11 grandchildren; several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Fielden “Sonny” Hunt; daughter-in-law, Sharon Hunt; his grandson, Stephen Hunt; and his granddaughter, Debra Kurtz.

Steve was a member of the Hugh C. Boyd Masonic Lodge #119 in Red Jacket, West Virginia for 50 plus years and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend, a 32 degree Mason. He was an avid hunter and storyteller.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Newhard Funeral Home in Westville.

Rev. Brenda Ludwig will officiate. Burial will be in Pinhook Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00- 8:00 PM at the funeral home. www.newhardfuneralhome.com

Calvin B. Willis, 85 of Valparaiso, passed away Friday, October 14, 2011 at home.

Jan. 7, 1926 – Oct. 14, 2011

He was born January 7, 1926 in Mauckport, IN to William A. and Mildred R. (Richard) Willis. On September 14, 1947 in Central, IN he married Jeane Pitman, who passed away August 20, 1995.

Calvin is survived by his son, Dr. Timothy O. (Deb) Willis of Westville; son-in-law, Jon Rees of Valparaiso; his grandchildren: David (Maggie) Willis of Columbus, OH, Stephen (Kelsey) Willis of Savannah, GA and Sarah Willis of Kokomo, IN; step-grandchildren: Scott (Jody) Rockwell, Stephen (Carmen) Rockwell, both of North Manchester and David Rockwell of Westville; and six step-great grandchildren also survive him.

In addition to his wife, Calvin was preceded in death by his parents; and his daughter, Dr. Jan Rees.

Calvin was an educator for 39 years, teacher and coach in Borden, IN, teacher and principal at Westville High School, and Superintendent of Porter County Schools for 19 years. He also administered the Porter County Special Education Co-Op for 18 years, the Porter County Vocational Cooperative for 17 years, and the occupational Development Center in six Northwest Indiana counties for seven years. During his tenure as Superintendent, he gained state approval and supervised the construction of 19 building projects. Calvin is a member of the United Methodist Church in Mauckport, IN and a member of the Westville Lodge #192 Free and Accepted Masons, 32nd degree Mason in the Valley of South Bend, IN and a Shriner of the Michigan City Orak Temple. Other memberships include the Valparaiso Rotary Club, the Purdue and Indiana University Alumni and Phi Delta Kappa. Calvin was a U.S. WW II veteran serving in the South Pacific.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 20, at the

Bartholomew Funeral Home
102 Monroe St.
Valparaiso, IN

Pastor Bill McClure will officiate. Entombment will be at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso.  Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home.  With a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m.  Memorial contributions can be made to Timothy O. Willis, c/o The LaPorte Savings Bank, 1 Parkman Dr., Westville IN 46391 to be used for the Dr. Janice Willis Rees Memorial Scholarship Fund.

George E. Becker, 75, of LaCrosse, passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2012. 

September 23, 1936 – April 11, 2012

He was born September 23, 1936 in LaPorte to Lawrence & Rose (Kelsey) Becker and graduated from Clinton Township High School in 1955.  He was a member of LaCrosse Methodist Church, Westville Lodge #192 F.& A.M., South Bend Valley Scottish Rite, Honorary member of Calumet Lodge #379 F.&A.M., Rolling Prairie Lodge #291 F.&A.M., Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Michigan City, IN, was a Charter Member and Director of International Harvester Collectors, Chapter 33, Indiana and member of International Harvester Collectors, Chapter 27, Florida.

Survivors include his children: Gerri Kubal of Valparaiso, W. Drew (Paula) Becker of Davidson, NC, Rachel (Duane) Werner of Westville, his former wife, Beulah Becker of Union Mills, sister, Janet Schweitzer of Kouts, grandchildren: Ryan C. Kubal & Brittany L. Kubal both of Valparaiso, Kyleigh E. Werner & Blake E. Werner both of Westville and nephews: Jeffery (Sarah) Schweitzer of Bremerton, WA & Charles Horn of Kouts.  He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Jodi J. Becker.

A funeral service will be held Saturday 10:00 am at LaCrosse Methodist Church, Pastor Randy Schrock officiating with cremation to follow and private burial of ashes at Angelcrest Cemetery.

Visitation Friday from 5 – 8 pm with Masonic service at 7:00 pm at

Moeller Funeral Home

104 Roosevelt Rd. Valparaiso, IN

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the VNA Hospice of Porter County or Westville Lodge #192 F.&A.M.

Masonic History:

• Was elected to receive the degrees of Masonry, January 16, 1968.
• Initiated as an Entered Apprentice, January 23, 1968.
• Passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on March 5, 1968.
• Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on March 26, 1968.
• George served as Senior Steward in 1969,
• Junior Deacon in 1970,
• Junior Warden in 1971,
• Senior Warden in 1972 & 1999, 
• Worshipful Master in 1973 & 2000.   
• He received his 25-Year Award on September 7, 1993
• George also served as Tyler for 8 years and Trustee for several years.
• George was a member of Westville Lodge #192 F. & A. M. for   44 years, 2 months, 26 days

On April 11, 2012, his weary feet came to the end of their toilsome journey and from his nerveless grasp dropped forever the working tools of life, and his spiritual body entered into that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens