Melvin Devon Kruger

Nov. 17, 1926 — Sept. 10, 2019

Melvin Devon Kruger, 92, of Francesville, passed away at his home on Tuesday, Sept. 10, with his wife, Phyllis, by his side. 

Devon was born on Nov. 17, 1926, in Francesville, to the late Melvin and Sylvia Edna (Timmons) Kruger. After graduating from Francesville High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. Devon was an M1 sharpshooter and expert 30 cal. light machine gunman. He was stationed in Austria at Tulln Air Base where he was Sergeant of the Guard, guarding German SS prisoners. Devon was later stationed in Vienna before receiving an honorable discharge. He was a life member of the Winamac VFW Post #1728 and the Francesville American Legion Post #228.

Devon married Louise Shepherd on Sept. 17, 1949, in Buffalo. She preceded him in death on April 15, 2003. On Feb. 17, 2005, Devon married Phyllis (Wigner) Goble in Key West, Florida. She survives. 

Devon was an active member of the Francesville First Christian Church where he had served as an elder and deacon. He was a supporter of Johnson Bible College as well as numerous missionary endeavors. Devon was a member of Royal Center Lodge #585 F&AM, Scottish Rite and Murat Shrine. He was a generous supporter of Shriner’s Hospital for Children. 

Devon was a co-founder of Diamond Trucking in Francesville starting with only two trucks. At the height of his career, he had more than 25 trucks that paved many of our Indiana roadways. 

Devon enjoyed traveling, watching NASCAR and dining out. He loved the outdoors, especially bird watching, boating and mowing his lawn. Devon was a kind, loving and generous man who loved his family very much. He will be deeply missed. 

He is survived by his wife Phyllis (Wigner) Goble Kruger of Francesville; grandson Andy [Julie] Kruger of Yorktown; granddaughter Christy Kruger of Crown Point; great-grandsons: Jordan Kolish of Winamac, Clay Kruger of Yorktown, and Tanner Kruger of Yorktown; great-granddaughters: Mallory Kruger of Yorktown, and Hadley Kruger of Yorktown; sister Barbara Tillett of Fishers; sister-in-law Betty Kruger of Francesville; many nieces and nephews; stepdaughters: Cherie Goble of Lafayette, and Mary Heal of Bass Lake; stepson Michael Goble of Monterey; stepdaughter-in-law Carla Goble Butler of Gulf Shores, Alabama; stepgrandsons: Scott Goble of Floyds Knobs and Nathan Goble of Winamac; stepgranddaughters: Stephanie [Zach] Brennan of Lafayette, and Nicole [Austin] Cowley of Logansport; and great-stepgrandsons: Channing Goble of Floyds Knobs, Maddox Goble of Floyds Knobs, Nathan Brennan of Lafayette, Cameron Brennan of Lafayette, Shaun Cowley of Logansport, Bobby Cowley of Logansport, and Dominic Stout of Winamac; and great-stepgranddaughters: Zoe Goble of Floyds Knobs, and Allison Brennan of Lafayette. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Melvin and Sylvia Edna (Timmons) Kruger; wife Louise (Shepherd) Kruger; son Richard “Rick” Kruger; infant brother Colin Kruger; brother Carl Kruger; and stepson Steven Goble. 

Masonic services were held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. Visitation followed from 3-8 p.m. Visitation was also from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, at Francesville First Christian Church in Francesville. Funeral services followed at 2:30 p.m. Pastor James Ketchen officiated. Burial took place at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville. The American Legion and VFW conducted military graveside services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Francesville First Christian Church or Shriners Hospital for Children.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

(Pulaski County Journal — Sept. 18, 2019)

Pulaski County Journal

114 W. Main Street
Winamac, IN 46996

(574) 946-6628
 

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