John H. ‘Howard’ Lursen, 81 of Leesburg, passed away at 9:46 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, in Hospice Home, Fort Wayne.

On April 24, 1933, he was born in Kosciusko County, to John and Marie (McKibben) Lursen. He was united in marriage to Monva Jean Morgan in Warsaw, on May 3, 1953. He graduated from Leesburg High School, Class of 1951. He attended Leesburg United Methodist Church and was a life member of American Legion Post #49, Warsaw.

Howard faithfully served our country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict from Jan. 2, 1952 to Dec. 15, 1955. He served on the U.S.S. Prairie AD 15 with the rank of Damage Controlman Petty Officer Second Class. He was a self-employed farmer. He also worked for Champion Door for 35 years, retiring in 1993. He then founded Country Door in 1993, retiring in 2003.

Howard is survived by his wife of 60 years; three sons: Brian (Cindy) Lursen, Warsaw; Bevin Lursen, Leesburg; and Brent (Kathy) Lursen, Leesburg; his daughter: Rhonda (Kevin) Dishman, Leesburg; his brother: Fred Lursen, Mobile, Ala.; and his sister: Ruth Hamond, Warsaw; ten grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter: Robin Lursen; and his grandson: Justin Nealy.

A celebration of life will be held at the residence of Dennis Polk, 123 East Harper Road, Leesburg, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10. A private graveside service will be in Leesburg Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion Post #49 and VFW Post #1126, Warsaw.

Memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurse Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814 or to Kosciusko Homecare and Hospice, P.O. Box 1196, Warsaw, IN 46581-1196.

To sign the guest book or send condolences electronically, visit McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel’s website.