John Thurman Whitcomb

JOHN THURMAN WHITCOMB Age 76, of Valparaiso, went to greet the Lord on Saturday, September 18, 2004. He lived along, active life, especially politically. He was an avid political lion to Porter Count, Indiana, who was always ready and willing to challenge any political issue. John was best known to his fellow political components as "The Porter County Watchdog" John owned "Whitcomb and Sons Trucking Company: in the 1970's. Later, he was employed with the Local #150 Operators Union and retired in 1990. John served his country during the end of World War II in Hawaii, then during the Korean Conflict as a petty officer on the S. S. Estes in Japan. During his service he married Betty Buzalski on December 30, 1950 in San Diego, California and later the couple raised five children. In the late 1990's, John hosted his own radio talk show "The Grass Roots Patriot" that on "WNWI" from the old Valparaiso Technical Institute Building. He was also an active member of the VFW Post 988 in Valparaiso, which he maintained duties in the color guard and served two years as Commander. He was in charge of the VFW Youth Essay Scholarship program and a member of the Moose Lodge #135. John was most happy to show off his multiple subscription to various political fliers. However, the proud moments were when somebody would actually read the articles! He also enjoyed picking mushrooms, gardening driving his 1978 Ford pickup truck aka "Big Green" and most of all, talking with family. John was preceded in death by parents, Thurman Whitcomb and Blanche Mann, 3 sisters, Joanna Stolpe, Margaret Baird, and Evelyn Duckwork;1 brother, Gordon Whitcomb ; and 1 grandson, Michael Whitcomb. He is survived by his wife, Betty Whitcomb; 5 children, Gary Whitcomb (Cindy Myers), James Whitcomb (Jackie Rudolph), Edward Whitcomb (Jane Mund), Thomas Whitcomb (Debbie Homeier); 1 daughter, Linda Davidson; 5 grandchildren, Aaron Whitcomb, Sara Grynovich (Frank), Ben Whitcomb, Mitchell Whitcomb, and Maxwell Whitcomb; 1 brother, David Whitcomb (Essie Bair); and 1 sister, Delores Yergler. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 22 2004 from 2-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. at Bartholomew Funeral Home, at 102 Monroe Street, Valparaiso. Funeral Services will be on Thursday, September 23, 2004 at 10:30 a.m. at Bartholomew Funeral Home. Rev. Robert Breitbarth will be officiating. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso. IN lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following organizations- VFW Post 988, VNA Hospice in Valparaiso or Veterans of Foreign Wars Home in Lafayette, Indiana.