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William DeShone Obituary
William Harry DeShone, 78, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully while in hospice care and surrounded by his family and friends (Stacy, Maxi, Troy and Mary Jo Rabb) on Saturday, May 20, 2022, at the Raclin House at the Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka.
Harry was born on Oct. 28, 1943, in Elkhart to the late William "Heinnie" and Cleo M. (Shively) DeShone. He was also preceded in death by a son, William "Bill" DeShone, a sister, Nancy DeShone Rockwell, and two brothers, T. J. and Jack DeShone.
In March of 1963, Harry married the former Janet Johnson. Janet died on Sept. 15, 2013. Surviving Harry are two daughters, Maxi (Steve) Adams and Stacy (Kevin) Fisher, and one son, Troy (Janine) DeShone; a daughter-in-law, Tracey DeShone; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Harry's professional career began at the Elkhart Police Department as a police officer before following in his father's footsteps in operating the family restaurant, Heinnie's. It wasn't long before he opened up two additional restaurants: Maxi's and Stacy's.
Harry enjoyed boating and fishing, gambling and family cookouts. He also held his pilot's license for many years. A musician at heart, Harry played in many local bands, including The Tempest Band along with his son, Bill. He always had a smile on his face and a cigarette in his hand. One thing is for sure, no matter what life dealt Harry, he always maintained a positive outlook.
There will be no public visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 26, at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1331 N. Main St. in Elkhart. The Rev. Jason Freiburger will officiate. Harry will be laid to rest next to Janet at Rice Cemetery in the Hope Mausoleum. Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
The family will receive friends after graveside services on Thursday from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Lex 530 at 530 E. Lexington Ave., Elkhart, IN 46516. Please stop in and share your memories of Harry with them.
Memorial donations in memory of Harry may be made to The Raclin House c/o The Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.
To leave the family an online condolence, please visit the funeral home website.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William DeShone
Sponsored by Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home, Inc. - Elkhart.
Richard and Pam Cataldo
May 26, 2022
Some of the best times of our life was spent with Janet and Harry and there wonderful family
Denny Freeze
May 26, 2022
Due to health conditions I was unable to attend the gathering for Harry. You have my deepest sympathy. I was good friends with your dad and mom in the 60s. Your dad and would drive around singing, " she has a pimple on her,but I love her ". I met my wife because of helping your dad set up the organ at dances when he was with the Tempest,he was also my best man when I married and my wife Terri was your mom's biggest supporter when she was a going through cancer. Have''nt seen your dad in awhile but thought about him quite often. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Lloyd and Melissa Ford
May 26, 2022
Our deepest condolences for your loss. Always in your heart and never forgotten.
Lenny Dolshenko
May 26, 2022
Sorry for your loss. We´re certainly going to miss him He was always good for a laugh and to talk with
Steve Terlep
May 24, 2022
Having moved to FL, have not seen Harry for over 50 years but will never forget our childhood friendship. One night when out "soaping" windows at Halloween time, we heard sirens coming and Harry said: "Remember, whatever we did, we didn't do it"....I have never forgot those words of wisdom.
We had such great times as kids, especially during our years at St Vincent's.
Barry Heflick
May 24, 2022
My sympathy to his family. I knew Harry as a neighbor, having excellent restaurants, & earlier as he performed with The Tempest's Band. Harry was always upbeat & was a friend to hundreds of us. We all will miss him.
Bill & Renee kinkaide
May 24, 2022
Sorry to hear,always a fun guy to be around,RIP. Best always,Bill & Renee
Harold E. Cox
May 24, 2022
Uncle Harry, You will never be forgotten in this World. An Amazing Man. RIP God´s Comfort and Love to All who Grieve.
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Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home, Inc. - Elkhart403 W. Franklin Street, Elkhart, IN 46516
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