LaVerne was born April 10, 1922 in Greenville, Ohio to the late Lloyd Mansel and Mary Catherine (Witters) Ditty.
LaVerne had numerous jobs throughout his life including construction, welding, factory and farming. He worked at Wayne Works as a body finisher before going into the Army. He was in World War II from 1942 until 1945 and traveled to many countries during this conflict, including Germany, England and France. He returned home and began working in Richmond, Indiana at Crosley which later became AVCO. There he was a set up man for screw machines. He was employed there for 28 years until they went out of business. LaVerne then worked at Hoffco before retiring to his farm and continued farming until 2004.
LaVerne is survived by his five children; Robert (Scherie) Peters of Greenville, James “Deacon” (Patty) Ditty, Marilyn Ditty and (Steve Schmidt) and Linda Woodyard all of New Madison, and Frank Ditty of Richmond, Indiana; an adopted son, Keith Oler of New Paris; 15 grandchildren, Robert (Kelli) Holsapple, Hope (Lyle) Eyer, Lisa (Troy) Porter, Jamey Woodyard, Christy (Robbie) Hager, Melinda (Andre) Ester, Kelly Peters, Sarah Ditty, Shannon (Dave) Wysong, Rachel Ditty, Jason Peters, Justin Peters, Daniel Ditty, Carlissa Ditty, and Matthew Woodyard; 21 great-grandchildren; a brother, Lloyd Ditty of Greenville; and many nieces and nephews.
LaVerne is preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Phyllis (Peters) in 1998; four brothers, Charles, Robert, Daniel, and Aaron Ditty; and a grandson, Brandon Peters in 2005.
The family will receive guests on Thursday, July 16, 2009 from 5-9 p.m. at Storch Braund Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Friday, July 17, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. also at the funeral home. Burial will be held in the Greenmound Cemetery, New Madison.
The family would like to thank Shannon Wysong, Melinda Ester and Matthew Woodyard for all the special care given to your papaw.
Memorial contributions may be made to Tri-Village Rescue, Rural Metro of Richmond or Reid Hospice.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.storchbraundfuneralhome.com. Services are entrusted to Storch Braund Funeral Home in New Madison.