Wayne Franklin Laswell

Wayne Franklin Laswell, was the eldest of 5 children, born to Luther Franklin Laswell and Delema Marie (Coleman) Laswell, on October 3, 1928, in Mackey, IN.

Raised during the Great Depression years, he always felt their family had more than most, because his father worked hard in the coal mines, always had a big summer garden that provided for the family during the winter months, raised beef cattle and pigs, had fresh milk and butter, and more than enough chickens and fresh eggs!

Shaped by his time served in Korea as a Medic in a MASH unit, he saw things and tended to wounded soldiers that would’ve been hard for any one.  The thought of returning home to his bride kept him encouraged, as well as her daily letters from home!  Married just a week before his departure for Boot Camp, to Lois Venita (Browning) Laswell on May 27, 1951, he left with the fear he’d never return home.  After two years served, he returned home to Evansville, IN, and home.

In January, 1956, they moved to Indianapolis, where they lived and raised two daughters, Diana Beth Boelter and Denise Ellen Sneed.  For over 30 years he worked at the US Postal Service, in numerous positions, at the Main Office, Federal Building, Indianapolis.

He and Lois lived quiet lives, always putting the needs of others before themselves.  Seeing his parents and grandparents influence, it was a value passed down that helped shape those that followed.  His faith was a guiding force in how he lived every day. He was truly a gentle man!

We will miss his smile, his laugh, his jokes and his love! But most of all, we’ll miss the man who’s been bigger than life to us all!  Our Daddy, Papa, Brother, Uncle, and Friend to so many.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, along with siblings Phillip Laswell, Jack Laswell (Marjorie), Eva Laswell Brashears, and his dear bride.

He is survived by his brother David (Deatra) Laswell, Oakland City, IN, daughters Diana Beth Laswell Boelter, (Timothy), of Algonquin, IL, and Denise Laswell Sneed, of New Palestine, IN.  Also survived by grandchildren Chase Boelter, Chelsea (Arun) Mohan, and Chloe Boelter (Nicholas Johnson), Myra Crawley, Ryan (Kristi) Phelps, Kara Phelps, Janine Phelps, Quentin (Amanda) Phelps, Ellen Sneed (Dylan Bass), and great-grandchildren Vance Phelps, Nalini Mohan, Namita Mohan, Travis Rode and Hunter Bass.  He was a bonus Grandpa to many more.

Funeral Services:  Sunday, February 16, 2020, Visitation 1 pm to 3 pm, with service at 3 pm at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East, 10722 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229. With a luncheon to follow at Lion’s Club, 5242 W US52, New Palestine 46163

Loved forever!