James D. La Plant

James D. La Plant, 78 of Gibsonburg died Monday morning peacefully at home due to complications following a stroke. He was born in Genoa on November 12, 1926 to the now-deceased Delore Del and Martha (Aubry) La Plant. James graduated from Genoa High School and attended a year at the University of Toledo studying accounting. Afterwards, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He married his loving wife of 55 years Patricia Perry on May 21, 1949 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Toledo and she survives.

James was a member of St. Michaels Parish in Gibsonburg and was a member of the Gibsonburg American Legion Post 17. He worked as lead man at the American Ship Building, Boilermakers Local 85, for 26 years. He later worked with his son, Doug at Northwest Installations of Findlay, retiring in 1989. He was also a lifelong farmer.

Surviving are ten children, Sharon (Chet) Echelbargar of Findlay, Shirley Sprague of Sidney, Barbara Record of Texas, Brenda La Plant of Gibsonburg, Douglas (Laura) of Findlay, Donna (Rick) Fairbanks, of Bradner, James (Melody) of Gibsonburg, Jon (Gloria) of Gibsonburg, Patricia (Tim) Tornow of Helena, Pamela (Jon) Kerns of Fremont; 23 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Robert (Joyce) La Plant of Washington State. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Gerald La Plant. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Hospice of Memorial Hospital and to his special caregivers. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, neighbors and his puppy Jonathan.

Visitation will be Wednesday 7-9 p.m., Thursday 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. with a Vigil Service Thursday evening at the Herman-Kinn-Veh Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Gibsonburg. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at St. Michaels Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Ted Miller, Fr. Don Mueller and Father Frederick Schill officiating. Burial will be in West Union Cemetery with military rites performed by the Gibsonburg American Legion post.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Memorial Hospital or St. Michaels Catholic Church, Gibsonburg.