Kenneth L. Suman, 85 years old of Willshire, Ohio, passed away at 12:20 a.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 in the Van Wert County Hospital located in Van Wert, Ohio. Kenneth was born on Saturday, September 15, 1923 in Adams County, Indiana the son of the late Harry Suman and the late Bessie (Drummond) Suman. He married the late Mary Lou Stetler on July 5, 1947 in Winchester, Indiana and she passed away on April 12, 2003. Kenneth was a member of Praise Point Church in Willshire, Ohio. Kenneth served his country during World War II, where he served in the United States Army in the Italian and Western European Theaters with the 2nd Battalion Headquarters Company of the 274th Infantry. During his service, he attained the rank of Sergeant and was also awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart. Kenneth retired from International Harvester after 30 years of service. Surviving are his daughter, Marilyn (Jerry) Lautzenheiser of Willshire, Ohio, daughter, Becky (David) White of Willshire, Ohio, daughter, Rickie (John) Gamble of Rockford, Ohio, daughter, Rosie Pond of Willshire, Ohio, son, Kevin (Becky) Suman of Willshire, Ohio, brother, Gordon Suman of Pennville, Indiana, sister, Ruth (Richard) Hurst of Decatur, Indiana, brother, Rev. Floyd (Ellen) Suman of Ashland, Kentucky, brother, Rev. Harold (Lorena) Suman of Defiance, Ohio, brother, Donald (Jane) Suman of Decatur, Indiana, eleven grandchildren: Jeff Lautzenheiser, Michelle Bayus, Dawn Brown, Scott White, Travis White, Amanda Gamble, Ashley Gamble, Erica Pond, Jana Suman, Jessica Suman, Jade Suman; and ten great-grandchildren: Chelsea and Kaila Lautzenheiser; Cameron and Coleton Lautzenheiser; Chris Bayus; Malorie, Garrett, Brooke, and Ben Brown; and Owen Hill. Preceding Kenneth in death were six brothers, Lester, Otho, John, Harry, Earl, and Walter Suman; one sister, Dora Mae Rayl; and one grandson, Jed Pond. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 10, 2008 in the Praise Point United Brethren Church with Pastor Mark Rutledge officiating. Interment will follow in the Willshire Cemetery. Military graveside honors will be conducted by the American Legion. Friends will be received from 2-4 and 5-8 p.m. Thursday, October 9, 2008 in the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Preferred memorials are to Praise Point Church or Willshire-Wren EMS.
