Leona "Loni" Creekbaum
age 88, passed away on Mon. Jan. 23, 2012 in Naples, Florida. Mrs. Creekbaum was preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years, Emery Wilson "Duke" Creekbaum. Loni was born in Roachdale, Indiana on Dec. 28, 1923. She was the daughter of Lee Roy and Bertha Gladys Riddle McCloud. She found employment at Allison Transmission, Inc. in Indianapolis. During World War II, Loni worked at the plant building aircraft engines. It was at a bus stop just outside the Allison plant where Loni and Duke met. It was love at first sight and a beautiful love story began. Being raised with modest means, Loni and Duke worked side by side to build and run a very successful family business in Central Indiana, Creekbaum-Wearly Memorials. Loni was a member of Eastern Star. She was a devout Christian and an active member of Marco Island Presbyterian Church. It is with peace the family celebrates a life well lived. It is with joy the family celebrates a beautiful love story that now continues in Heaven. Mrs. Creekbaum is survived by her children Walter Hugh Creekbaum, Bradenton, Joy Ann Creekbaum Vannice, Orlando, Emilea Sue Creekbaum Butts, Marco Island, Emery Stephen Creekbaum, Dothan, AL, and James Wilson Creekbaum, Brownsburg, IN. She is survived by a niece, Brenda Kerns, Roachdale, Indiana; 14 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. Visitation will be from 4-8pm Fri. Feb. 3 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg, with graveside services at 10am Sat. Feb. 4 at Brownsburg Cemetery.