Kenneth B. Laux, 95, Celina, passed away Jan. 19, 2014, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater.

He was born Nov. 26, 1918, in Trinity, Ind., to John A. and Cleopha Buetle Laux. On Oct. 6, 1951, he married Marie Hole and they recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

Other survivors are eight children, Randy (Denise) Laux, Ted (Denise) Laux, Jayne (Paul) Johnsman, Malissa (Rob) Homan, Nick (Myra) Laux, Todd (DeAnn) Laux and Theresa (Chris) Wurster, all of Celina, and Laura (Dave) Emonin II, of Dayton; 24 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; brothers, Frank (Barb) Hole, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Dave (Deb) Hole and Ken Reid, all of Celina, Norman Tidwell, New Bremen; a sister-in-law, Wanda Hole, St. Marys; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were 12 brothers and sisters and their spouses, Cyril (Toots) Laux, Harold Laux, Carl (Helen) Laux, Herb (Bernadette) Laux, Alphonse (Gladys) Laux, Paul (Ruth) Laux, Ruth (Clarence) Puthoff, Mary (Jim) Schuck, Vivian (Don) Reed, Inez (Fred) Uetrecht, Joann Laux and Margaret Laux; and brothers and sisters-in law, Robert Jr. "Bud" (Regina) Hole, Merrill (Jennie) Hole, Lloyd Hole, Dennis Hole, Althea (Gene) Staugler, Mary Alice Reid and Margie Tidwell.

He had attended Holy Trinity School in Coldwater, and at the age of 15 began working at the New Idea plant in Coldwater. He served his country during World War II with the U.S. Army in Europe, working in communications for the 738th Field Artillery of "General Patton's Third Army." He later worked at Pet Milk Company in Coldwater, where he retired after 42 years of service. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Celina. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and playing checkers and games. He played softball until he was 82 but had stopped base running at 75. He loved to sing and would often serenade his wife, Marie.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Immaculate Conception Church, Celina, the Rev. Ken Schnipke presiding. Burial will be at Swamp College Cemetery, Celina, with graveside military rites by the Celina American Legion Post #210 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5713.

Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today and 9-10:15 a.m. Thursday at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home, Celina.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Immaculate Conception Endowment Fund or State of the Heart Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.