Daniel L. Truax

Daniel L. Truax Battle Creek Daniel L. Truax, 64, of Battle Creek died Sunday, December 27, 2009 at Laurels of Galesburg. He died from injuries suffered in an automobile accident in the Dominican Republic while on a missionary trip for Children's International in May 2006. He was born on February 2, 1945 in Massillon, Ohio to Harry and Alice (Cline) Truax. Dan graduated in 1963 from Woodsfield High School, Woodsfield, Ohio. He was employed by Ormet Inc. of New Martinsville, Ohio for 21 years retiring in 1986. He then worked for Thoms Contracting of Bellaire, Ohio as a contracting supervisor for the construction of Lowe's Home Improvement Stores. He married Susan J. (Taylor) Orns on June 16, 1995 in Battle Creek. Dan was a charter member of the Moose Lodge and the EMS both in Woodsfield, Ohio. He was an artist and enjoyed working with wood, including woodcarving. Daniel is survived by his wife, Susan, of Battle Creek, children, Robin L. (Blaine) Duncan, of Washington Court House OH; Daniel L. Truax Jr., of Seattle WA; and Leah R. (Jeffrey) Ontko, of Marietta, OH; step-daughters, Julie M. (Kurt) Halder, and Kristy S. Orns, both of Ceresco, MI; a brother, Richard (Nancy) Truax, of Woodsfield, OH; a sister, Shelva Briggs of Woodsfield, OH, and 8 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Charles Briggs. Dan had a very special hospice nurse, Jan Gramlich, who took wonderful care of him and made his last year and a half much more comfortable. The last year of care was given on her own time. She was there for Dan and his family, answering her phone, and helping out day and night. In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2010 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home with Pastor Robert Muirhead officiating. Family will receive friends 1 hour before the service. Memorial contributions in Dan's honor may be made online to www.CaringBridge.org or sent to CaringBridge, 1995 Rahn Cliff Court, Suite 200, Eagan, MN 55122-3401 or Hospice Care of Southwestern Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007