LaVern "Chick" Roth

LaVern “Chick” Roth, 99, of Huntington, Indiana passed away Saturday morning, November 30, 2024, at Heritage Pointe of Huntington.

Chick was born March 2, 1925, in Decatur, Indiana to the late Noah Rufine (Beer) Roth. 

Chick was a Veteran of the United States Navy, enlisting on August 5, 1943, and serving in the Pacific and Atlantic during World War II. He was honorably discharged on March 20, 1946, as a Gunner’s Mate, Third Class USNR. A highlight of Chick’s life was visiting Washington, D.C. on a Northeast Indiana Honor Flight.

Chick was united in marriage to Donna R. Jaberg on October 30, 1949, at Zion Reformed Church in Decatur, Indiana, and she survives.

After obtaining a high school diploma and entering the Navy, Chick received further education at Deforest Electronics in Chicago for two years. He was a member of Zion United Church of Christ in Decatur, where he served on the board several times and was a member of the church choir. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #43 in Decatur, the Masonic Lodge & Scottish Rite, the Decatur Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years, and the Adams County Heart Club.

Chick spent his career working for Central Soya, Fruehauf Trailers, and the City of Decatur/Adams County Parks Department. He also ran a small T.V. and radio repair shop out of his family’s home. Chick and his wife enjoyed spending winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama for 17 years. He loved woodworking, small engine repair, and playing cards. 

Chick is lovingly survived by his wife of 75 years, Donna R. Roth of Huntington; daughter, Cheryl (Terry) Larson of Huntington; daughter, Michelle Price of Pinellas Park, Florida; daughter, Susan (Kent) VanDyne of Firestone, Colorado; nine grandchildren, Tyler (Samantha Gillespie) Roth Larson, Lucas (Hannah Choo) Edward Larson, Justin (Sofia) Price, Carli (Matt) Roby, Jamie Altenburger, Stephanie (Austin Clark) Jaske, Ashley Jaske, Emily (Jason Alexander) Jaske, and Christian Jaske; and nine great-grandchildren.

Chick was preceded in death by twin brother and sister, Earl & Earlene Roth, and two sisters, Vera Neaderhouser and Alice Shoemaker.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Zion United Church of Christ in Decatur with Rev. Allen Kahler officiating.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service (from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.) at Zion United Church of Christ in Decatur.

Military Rites will be provided by the American Legion Post #43 of Decatur. Burial will be at Decatur Cemetery. 

Preferred memorials are to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, Zion United Church of Christ, or the American Legion Color Guard.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana