Henry J. Laker's Obituary
Henry “Hank” Laker, age 96, of Enochsburg, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at St. Andrews Health Campus in Batesville. He was born December 25, 1917 at home in Enochsburg, to Joseph and Elizabeth Saeger Laker, the oldest of four children. Hank was a sergeant in the United States Army, 38th infantry, 151st regiment M Company, serving in the Pacific Theatre in WWII, and earned 3 bronze stars and 1 bronze arrowhead. Upon his return from service, he married his sweetheart, Mary Bessler, on Valentine’s Day in 1946 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Enochsburg, and she preceded him in death on June, 18, 2004. Hank worked and later retired from Hill-Rom. He was life-long member of St. John’s Catholic Church and the Batesville VFW Post #3183. Hank also farmed and raised cattle on the family farm outside of Enochsburg. He loved to play euchre, watch the Lawrence Welk show, and root for the Cincinnati Reds. Those surviving who will honor Hank’s memory include; children, Dan (Ella) Laker of Enochsburg, Janice (Bruce) Meyer of Enochsburg, John (Bobbie) Laker of Pamplin, VA, Betty (Paul) Joyner of Indianapolis, Jim (Carol) Laker of Oldenburg, Connie (David) Main of Enochsburg, and Tom (Carolyn) Laker of Enochsburg; 17 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren; and one sister, Joanne Luttle of Greensburg. Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, sister and one grandson. Visitation is Monday, February 24th, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian burial, officiated by Rev. Bill Ehalt, will held 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 25th, at St. John’s Catholic Church, Enochsburg. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271 and the Batesville VFW Post #3183. The family requests memorial donations to the Franklin County Humane Society.
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