Alonzo Al Minix

Alonzo Minix “Al” age 90 of Crown Point, IN passed away on Friday, January 2, 2009 at St. Anthony Hospice in Crown Point, IN He was born July 24, 1918 in Salyersville, KY. The eldest son of Calloway and Easie Craft Minix, he graduated from the Royalton High School, Royalton, KY. Al is survived by his loving, devoted wife of five years, Martha Eriks Minix Daughters: Phyllis Harold Parker of Franklin, IN Zula Faye Jerry Sewell of Muncie, IN Foster Daughter: Carolyn Bill DeLaughter of Crown Point 8 Grandchildren, 17 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great-great Grandchildren 6 Eriks Step Sons: Tim Sue of Dyer; Ken Barb of Holland, MI; Lon Libby of Avondale AZ ; Ray Linda of Highland; Mark Leigh of Grand Rapids, MI; Bob Gwen of Crown Point 18 Step Grandchildren and 18 Step Great Grandchildren Brothers: Harlow Pearl; Willard Joanne; Herbert Dolores Sister: Mildred Clemons Preceded in death by his parents Brothers: Leonard and Cisco Half Brother: Bert Rigsby Sister Hazel Cole Also preceding him in death are Lona Marshall Minix Clarke; Helen Cray Minix and Chris Marshall Minix Drafted into the U.S. Army in June 1944, he was at Camp Atterbury, IN for 17 weeks. As a PFC in the 80th Army Infantry Division, 3rd Army, he was deployed in Bastogne, Germany in October, 1944. Al was injured in the Battle of the Bulge on February 1945 he was the last casualty brought over our River Bridge before it was bombed. He received the following medals: European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, Good Conduct, the Bronze Star, Honorable Service Lapel Button; Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar, Division Patch 80th and was awarded the Purple Heart. Al's first work experiences included working in the coal mines while yet a teenager, which led him north to do farming and work as paymaster at the Kingsbury Ammunition Plant, LaPorte, IN. In 1941 he was employed as a part time sales clerk by the Falvey's Store for Men of Knox, IN. After the war, he returned to the Knox Falvey's store fulltime until he was transferred in 1948 to Flavey's in Elwood, IN. In 1959 he was transferred to the Crown Point Falvey's as manager and later became part time owner. Often called “Mr. Falvey”, he was active in the Crown Point Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the “Citizen of the Year” in 1981 and the “President's Award for Exellence” in 1989. PAGE 1 OF 2 Al Minix obit Continued Al was a member of the Lions since 1949 in Elwood, IN. He had perfect attendance for 58 years, served a chaplain for 28 years, served in the past on the Eye Bank and Leader Dog committees. He was past President of the Crown Point Lions in 1976 who chose him as Loin of the Year in '84-85', granted him Life Membership in Lions in 1986 and chose him as a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship award in 1989. Al was a member of the Crown Point First Christian Church where he served on as a deacon, elder and financial secretary. Later he joined Southlake Christian Church where he served as an elder and financial secretary. For the past three years, he has been a member of the Ross Reformed Church, Gary, IN. He belonged to Gideons, International, Northlake Campus since 1972. He will be remembered for sharing his love for the Lord Jesus Christ with all that he met, for his winning smile and for his warm handshake. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 5, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the Ross Reformed Church 41st and Whitcomb, Gary, IN with Dr. Rev. Kenneth Eriks officiating. A luncheon will follow at the church for family and friends. Visitation at the Geisen Funeral & Reception Centre NOTE: NEW LOCATION at 606 E. 113th Ave. Crown Point 2 Blocks East of Broadway on Sunday, January 4, 2009 from 2:00 to 8:00 PM with a Lion's Memorial Service at 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Gideons International, Northlake Campus or to Every Child Ministries. To share a memory or send a condolence to the family please visit the guest book section on the obituary page at www.geisenfuneralhome.com. For information call 219-663-2500.