Willis E. Naragon

Willis E. Naragon, 87 years old, a lifelong resident of North Liberty, passed away at 4:27 a.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at Hospice House, South Bend. Mr. Naragon was born on December 8, 1927 in Edwardsburg, MI to the late George and Martha (McQuisten) Naragon. On January 16, 1949 in North Liberty at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Willis was united in marriage to Dorothy Mae Grise.

Along with his wife of 66 years, Dorothy, survivors include their six children, Ardith “Ardi” (Steven) Kiser of Douglasville, GA, Darla Smith of Woodstock, GA, Sherry (Bob) Rensberger of Lakeville, Kent (Vickie) Naragon of Dunedin, FL, Eric “Rick” (Kay) Naragon of South Bend, and Brian (Richelle) Naragon of Salt Lake City, Utah; fourteen grandchildren; four great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; and one sister, Phyllis Neiswender of Walkerton. Mr. Naragon was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Terry Smith; one grandson, Matt Counts; four sisters, Rosa, Blanche, Laura, and Goldie; and four brothers, Lyle, Robert, John, and Roy.
Mr. Naragon worked for Studebaker Corporation until they closed. He then worked for Wells Aluminum in North Liberty in the 1960’s where he was proud to have assisted in organizing the union. Mr. Naragon was a carpenter for 17 years and retired in 1993 from A.M. General Corporation after 10 years. He was a faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in North Liberty. Mr. Naragon served his country with the United States Army and was a member of the American Legion in North Liberty and an auxiliary member of the VFW in North Liberty. He was a proud member of the Carpenters Union #413 and was a member of the Masonic Lodge in North Liberty. Mr. Naragon was a recovering member of AA for the past 29 years.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 24955 Riley Road, North Liberty. Rev. Victoria Blough, pastor of the church, will officiate. Military graveside services will follow at Westlawn Cemetery, North Liberty. Friends may visit with the family from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21st, at the Palmer Funeral Home, 314 S. Michigan Street, Lakeville and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Contributions in memory of Willis E. Naragon may be donated to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 24955 Riley Road, North Liberty, IN 46554, Hospice Foundation, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545, or to Alzheimer’s Services, 922 E. Colfax Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617. Online condolences may be offered to the Naragon family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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