John Forrest " Baitman" Ferrell, 79, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away Monday, June 14, 2021 at his home.

 

He was born October 24, 1941 in La Porte, the son of Forrest Wilbur and Elsie Marie (Zila) Ferrell.

 

On December 1, 1962, at the 1st Christian Church of La Porte, John married Karen Dowd Ferrell, who survives.

He is also survived by two sons, Jack (Janelle) Ferrell of La Porte, Tony (Amy) Ferrell of La Porte; 2 daughters, Kelly (Andrew) Crowl of Rolling Prairie, Marti Ferrell-Gierke of La Porte; brother Don (Rhea) Ferrell of La Porte; grandchildren Nicholas and Bradley Ferrell, Jessica and Josh Ferrell, Tyler (Hannah) Crowl and Maverick Crowl, Madison and Aubrey Gierke; son-in-law, Joe Gierke of La Porte; brother-in-law, James Dowd of St Cloud, FL; many nieces and nephews and the entire "All Star" family.  John was preceded in death by his parents.

 

A lifelong resident of La Porte, John was an entrepreneur and salesman his entire working life. He and his wife Karen, who was literally "the wind beneath his wings", opened and ran the Rod and Reel Bait Shop, Frostop Drive-In root beer stand, Warehouse Sports, and more recently, All Star Towing and All-Star Autos, to name a few.  John never met a stranger and was known for telling a joke or two.  He sat on the La Porte City Police Merit Board and was a lifetime member of the NRA. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, swimming daily in his pool, and was an avid sports fan.  He liked playing poker and other card games and loved a good cigar. Of course, John liked cars and had a few classics along the way. Dale Earnhardt was his favorite NASCAR driver, but he rooted for the local guys as well.  And you never saw John without a cap!  His special joys, though, were his grandchildren, watching their sports and teaching them the lessons of life.

 

Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., LaPorte, IN where the family will receive friends on Thursday, June 17, 2021 from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m.  A Celebration of his Life Service will follow at 7:00 with retired Pastor, Dr. Rod Nielsen, officiating.  Cremation will take place.

 

Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the American Diabetes Asso.,55 E. Monroe St. Ste 3420, Chicago, IL 60603 or The National Autism Asso. of Northwest Indiana, PO Box 216, Hobart, Indiana 46342.

 

Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.