Loyd Bruce Strong

Loyd Bruce Strong, 94, Twelve Mile, passed away at 11:58 a.m. on Friday, May 11, 2012 at IU Health, Goshen.

Born July 17, 1917 near Akron, Indiana he was the son of Hugh McKinley and Alta Gladys Hibschman Strong. On Easter Sunday, March 28, 1948, at the home of the bride's parents, Homer and June Ward, he was married to the former Doris Geneva Ward; she survives.

Loyd was a member of the Metea Baptist Church. He graduated from Metea High School in 1936 and in 1941 he joined the United States Army. He served with the 3rd Ordnance Company repairing artillery in the European Theater during World War II. He retired from Civil Service at Grissom Air Force Base where he worked twenty years in the carpenter's shop.

Loyd was a talented craftsman and was an expert in furniture restoration and repair. For many years, he owned and operated Strong's Furniture Repair west of Twelve Mile. When he wasn't working in his shop, he enjoyed reading, working word and jigsaw puzzles, and watching the nature surrounding his rural home.

As an active member of his community, Loyd faithfully served his church as Sunday School Superintendent. Loyd was also a Boy Scout leader, and following the scout motto, "Be prepared!" Loyd was ready and always prepared to help anyone in need.

Loyd was a lover of antique cars and was a lifetime member of Pioneer Auto Club in Kokomo. During the Fourth of July parade in Twelve Mile, Loyd could be seen driving his 1917 Ford Model T, made in the same year he was born or his 1926 Locomobile.

He leaves behind his wife, Doris, Twelve Mile and one daughter, Sherry Ann Hug and husband Lyman, Goshen; two grandchildren, Kimberly Ann Menczynski and husband Chet, Goshen; Lisa Marie Dulaney and fiancAC. Max Reyes, Elkhart; three great-grandchildren, Jordan Reyes, Kayla Menczynski, and Sarah Menczynski; three step-grandchildren, Elizabeth Clark, and husband Doug, Sturgis, Michigan; Kimberly Gilbert and husband Tracy, Waterboro, Maine; and Kristene Miller and husband Mark, Evansville; seven step great-grandchildren, William, Sarah, and Carolyn Clark, Grace Gilbert, and Kayli, Cory, and Michele Miller; one brother, Robert Gale Strong, Arkansas; two sisters, Gladys Coffing, North Manchester; and Thelma Butcher, Denver; one brother-in-law, Lowell Grumpp, Denver; and one sister-in-law, Lois Birk, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by two sisters Esther Everest and Opal Grumpp.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at McClain Funeral Home, Denver with Pastor Darlene DeHaai officiating. Burial will follow in Chili Cemetery with military rites by the Miami County Military Rites Unit.

Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Metea Baptist Church, or the charity of your choice. The online guestbook can be signed at www.mcclainfh.com.