John Michael Petro

John Michael Petro 75, of LaFontaine, Indiana passed away at 6:31 p.m. on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at Homestead Hospice Home in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born on October 24, 1946, to Grant and Velma (Berry) Petro in Marion, Indiana.

John was a 1964 graduate of Southwood High School. He served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1967 in the Vietnam War Era and the Cold War Era. He married Sharon Powell on July 2, 1967. She survives. He worked at Stremell and Hill from 1967 to 1968, then at General Motors in Marion for 30 years from 1968 to 1998. He was a former licensed baseball umpire and licensed taxidermist. He was a metal detector enthusiast since 1970. He was a founding member of Metocinyah Long Rifles LaFontaine. Along with his father, he helped establish Mississinewa Battlefield Reenactment. He was also an APA Pool member. He was a member of the Independent Order of Oddfellow Lodge 533 in LaFontaine and UAW member 977. Upon retirement he mowed lawns and along with his brother, he processed firewood in the LaFontaine area. He was a former member of the LaFontaine Fire Department and former Fire Chief. John and his wife owned the LaFontaine Café from 1984 to 1989. He was a part time local Historian. He enjoyed repairing lawn mowers as a hobby.    

John is survived by his wife, Sharon Petro of LaFontaine, Indiana, one son, Josh Petro (Haley Duvall) of Marion, Indiana, one daughter, Tracy (Jerry) Woodward of Greenwood, South Carolina, one grandson, Brandon (Jessica) Woodward, one brother, Joseph (Cheryl) Petro of Wabash, Indiana, one sister, Pam (Jerry) Whitener of LaFontaine, Indiana, three great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his parents, stepfather Tom Pearce, and one granddaughter Tabatha Ann Woodward.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, with Pastor Brad Wright officiating.  Burial will follow at LaFontaine IOOF Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Monday February 21, 2022, at the funeral home

McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, have been trusted with John Petro's final arrangements.

Preferred memorials are to LaFontaine IOOF Lodge #533 LaFontaine, Indiana 46940.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com