Obituaries

April 16, 1926 to April 4, 2014

BROWNSBURG - Leon Eldon Onken, 87, passed away Friday, April 4.

The eldest son of Herman George Onken and Malinda Koebcke, he was born near Francesville, on April 16, 1926. He married Doris Anne McNary in 1953. She survives.

Also surviving are sons Todd (Andrea), Lance (Carol), daughter Melinda (Rich) Diesslin, and eight grandchildren: Logan Onken; Grady, Sally, Neil Diesslin; and Sarah, Seth, Luke, Rachel Onken. He is also survived by sisters: Nelda Garrett, Tootie Cummins, Ruthie Vollmer, and brothers: Buddy Onken; Freddie, Bob Vollmer. 

Upon graduation from Francesville High School, Mr. Onken moved to Indianapolis and was employed by General Motors Allison. He continued his education through the work/study coop and graduated from General Motors (GM) Institute in 1949 with a degree in mechanical engineering. The Onkens moved to Brownsburg in 1956. They became active members of the Calvary United Methodist Church where he served in various capacities. He was also involved in Boy Scouts leadership and Little League Baseball.

Mr. Onken retired from GM in 1986. He served on the Brownsburg School Board from 1964-1976. He also served on the Brownsburg Library Board during the planning and construction of Brownsburg’s present day library facilities. He was on the committee for planning the Northfield bypass. In his later years, he volunteered at Hendricks Regional Health and delivered Meals-On-Wheels. 

Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday (April 9), with visitation one hour before, at the Calvary United Methodist Church.