Obituary

Ralph Thomas Walburn, 95, of LaGrange died Saturday, June 13, 2009, in Life Care Center of LaGrange, where he had resided for the past three years.

Mr. Walburn, a lifetime area resident, was a farmer, mechanic, and had worked in maintenance. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in LaGrange and a life member of American Legion Post 381, Rome City. He was an Army veteran, serving during World War II in the 752nd Operating Battalion.

He was born January 18, 1914, in Jefferson Township, Noble County, Indiana, to Cecil P. and Ethyl Mae (Freed) Walburn. On December 23, 1934, in Troy Township, Whitley County, Indiana, he married Naomi E. Marrs. She preceded him in death on February 16, 1999.

Surviving are one son and daughter-in-law, James L. and Evelyn Walburn of Kalamazoo, Michigan; a daughter, Patricia L. Collins of Dublin, Georgia; 12 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren; a brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Betty Walburn of Sheridan, Michigan; two sisters, Mary Bushing of Wolcottville and Dorothy Marks of Oklahoma; and a special friend, Virginia Ames of LaGrange.

He was preceded in death by a son, Thomas R. Walburn on May 24, 2008, a grandson, Jeffery Walburn, a sister, Ruth Keck, and a brother, Charles Walburn.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at 1 p.m. in Young Family Funeral Home, Wolcottville Chapel, State Road 9 North, Wolcottville. Burial will be in Orange Cemetery, Rome City.

Military graveside services will be conducted by American Legion Post 381, Rome City.

Calling will be Wednesday, June 17, 2009, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Young Family Funeral Home, Wolcottville Chapel, State Road 9 North, Wolcottville.

Preferred memorials are to American Legion Post 381, 110 Kelly Street, Rome City.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com