Obituaries

April 23, 1924 to May 25, 2025

WINAMAC - Marion Earl Lainhart, 101, of Winamac, passed away Sunday, May 25, at Hickory Creek Nursing Home in Winamac.

He was born April 23, 1924 in Knox, to the late Carl Hezekiah and Hava Zelma (Jordon) Lainhart. He graduated from Knox High School in 1942 and went to work at the Kingsbury Ordinance Plant. The following year, he was drafted into the U.S. Army at the height of World War II. He served throughout Central Europe and took part in notable campaigns such as the Rhineland Offensive and Battle of the Bulge. After three, long years, he earned the rank of staff sergeant with the 53rd Armored Infantry Battalion. Upon his honorable discharge in 1946, he was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge. In 1947, the U.S. government implemented a policy authorizing the retroactive awarding of the Bronze Star Medal to World War II veteran soldiers who had been awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, because the CIB was awarded only to soldiers who had borne combat duties befitting the recognition conferred by a BSM. Mr. Lainhart was a decorated American hero and will be remembered as one of Pulaski County’s last surviving members of the Greatest Generation and one of the last World War II veterans.

Marion Lainhart

He is survived by:
Nancy Sue (Monty) Gum, Winamac, Niece
Gloria Jean Tumey, Brownsburg, Niece
Keith (Linda) Lainhart, Mechanicsville, VA, Nephew
Several Great-Nieces and -Nephews and their families

Preceded in death by:
Evelyn Marie (Franklin W.) Fechner, Sister
Harold Carl (Marion Louise) Lainhart, Brother

Upon returning from the war, Mr. Lainhart earned a degree from the South Bend Business College under the GI Bill. Throughout his life, he worked as an accountant for South Bend Lathe, as a laborer at T-Pack in Winamac, and as a custodian with North Judson Schools. He was a caregiver for his mother until her passing in 1994 and enjoyed helping his sister with any errands or chores she needed done. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Winamac where he enjoyed singing in the choir. He was also a Life Member of the Winamac VFW Post #1728. In his younger years, he played baseball and basketball. When he watched sports on TV, he always rooted for the underdog. He was very good at pitching horseshoes and enjoyed playing ping-pong. He was a nature lover who enjoyed long walks outside, fishing and mowing his yard. In his later years, he painted several interesting large animal murals – just for fun. He was a polite, humble man whose advice to younger people was, “Work hard, and be kind to others.” His secret to living a long life was to keep moving. He appreciated the help and care he received from several of his neighbors, as well as the staff and doctors at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Pulaski Health Care Center, and Hickory Creek. And despite his childhood nickname of Termite - he “did alright!” He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Tuesday), at the funeral home with Pastor Mark Pilger officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Highland Cemetery in North Judson.

Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or Winamac VFW Post #1728.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com