Lawrence Croy

Lawrence A. Croy, 90, a resident of Churubusco and formerly of LaOtto, passed away at 8:56 p. m. on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.e He had been in declining health, and was taken to the hospital from his home on Thursday evening. Mr. Croy was born in Noble County on September 21, 1921, a son of Charles "Chick" Andrew and Marie (Kirncher) Croy, and spent his formative years in LaOtto.e On November 2, 1941 he was married in Adrien, Michigan to Bonnie Tonkel.e The couple lived all of their married lives in LaOtto.e During his retirement years he enjoyed spending summers at Long Lake and wintering in Tarvares, Florida. He was self-employed as a well driller for over 50 years, a business that has continued into the fourth generation.e He was a member of Huntertown Lodge 689 F&AM, and the Scottish Rite, Valley of Fort Wayne.e He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed his work, and most especially loved and cherished his family. Mrs. Croy preceded him in death on November 29, 1990. He will be sadly missed by his children Rose Ann (Pastor Larry) Smith and Max Croy, both of Churubusco; his companion Catherine "Katie" Moody of Churubusco; a brother Irvin Croy of Kendallville; a sister-in-law Anna Jane Hoot of Churubusco; a brother-in-law Richard Tonkel of Leo; five grandchildren Steve (Marlene) Smith, Mike (Kay Lawrence) Smith, Paula (Dale) Gerke, Melissa Croy, and Branson Croy; and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter Doris Jean Croy;e threee brothers Don Croy, Glenn Croy, Otto Croy; a half-brother Bob Croy; a half-sister Lillian Surfus; and a granddaughter. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a. m. on Saturday, June 2, 2012, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Larry Smith, pastor of Fellowship of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2-4 and from 6-8 p. m., or one hour prior to the service Saturday morning.e Huntertown Lodge 689 F&AM will conduct memorial services at 8 p. m. Friday at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Swan Cemetery, north of LaOtto. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Fellowship of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. ******************************