Donald E. Fruth, 86, of 7817 S. Strawtown Pike, Bunker Hill, died at 2:40 a.m. April 13, 2008, in Caring Hands Health Care Center, Peru.
He was born Aug. 13, 1921, in Hancock County, Ohio, to Harvey and Gladys Hemminger Fruth. On Feb. 1, 1947, he married Patricia A. Terrell, who survives.
He retired after serving 26 years active duty from 1939-64 in the U.S. Air Force. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the China-Burman-India Theater. After retirement he worked at Duke's Memorial Hospital, Peru; Chrysler Automotive, Kokomo; and worked civil service at Grissom Air Force Base, Peru. He also enjoyed farming in the Bunker Hill area for many of his retirement years. He was a resident of Bunker Hill since 1959. He was a member of Hump Pilots Association; Masonic Lodge 298, Redkey; and American Legion Post 418, Walton.
Also surviving are three sons: Michael L. (and spouse Stephanie) Fruth, Carthage; John P. (and spouse Ronna) Fruth, Warsaw; and James G. (and spouse Sue) Fruth, Olathe, Kan.; eight daughters: Janet A. (and spouse David) Smith and Judy K. Worland, both of Bunker Hill; Elizabeth Jo (and spouse Rick) Miles, Naples, Fla.; Jean E. (and spouse Lee) Schmidt, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Jerri S. (and spouse Pat) Roth, Idaville; June D. (and spouse Jerry) Bomholt, Hanover; Juliet A. (and spouse Clifford) Gardner and Jennifer L. (and spouse Adrian) Archuleta, both of Peru; 35 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; a brother, John P. Fruth, Schererville; and a sister, Virginia Geneva, Howe. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Bunker Hill United Methodist Church, 100 W. Broadway, Bunker Hill. Burial will be in Ever-Rest Memorial Park, Logansport, with military rites by members of the American Legion.
Calling is from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the church.
Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw, is in charge of arrangements.
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Memorials to the Salvation Army, 84 W. 2nd St., Peru, IN 46970; the American Cancer Society, 601 W. Edison St., Mishawaka, IN 46545; or to the charity of the donor's choice.
Condolences may be sent to www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com
