Howard F. Draves , 91 of LaPorte, Indiana , died Tuesday, January 6, 2009 in LaPorte Hospital .
He was born in LaPorte, Indiana on October 28, 1917, son of the late Christopher Draves and Elsie (Bortz) Draves.
He married Lucille (Goetz) Draves in LaPorte on August 26, 1939 who preceded him in death on February 20, 2001. They were married 62 years.
He is survived by: One daughter: Sara (Phil) Wilson, of Fort Wayne, IN; one son: Rod (Debra) Draves of Valparaiso, IN; four grandchildren: Kristi Wilson and fiance, Jon Lance of Corona, CA, Lora (Todd) Wiebe of Holland, MI, Jason Draves of Michigan City, IN, and Jill (Brian) Raypole of Fort Wayne, IN; four great- grandchildren: Giavonna Draves, Vincent Draves, Harrison Wiebe, and Madison Raypole.
Dad was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather. How he enjoyed his great- grandchildren! We will miss you, Dad.
He was a member of First Baptist Church, Michigan City; and of Indiana Carpenter's Local 1485. He was a graduate of LaPorte High School. He was a carpenter and cabinent maker for Tonn and Blank and previously for Maple City Sash and Door.
Friends will be received at Cutler Funeral Home, LaPorte, IN on Friday January 9 from 3-8pm.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Cutler Funeral Home on Saturday January 10 at 10am with Reverend Ron Devenport officiating.
Interment will follow in the Pine Lake Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 301 E. 9th St., Michigan City or to the American Bible Socitety, 1865 Broadway, New York, New York, 10023-7505.
Please sign the register book online at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com