Jack Le Roy Busfield, 97, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away peacefully.

 

He was born on December 30, 1928, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Lloyd and Bernice (Calloway) Busfield.

 

Jack dedicated 36 years of service to Allis Chalmers before retiring. He continued serving the La Porte community by working for the La Porte City Park and Recreation Department for 15 years, where he meticulously maintained the city's baseball parks. He also worked as a line server for La Porte Community Schools.

 

On March 30, 1957, in La Porte, Jack married the love of his life, Esther M. Salo, who survives.

 

A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, Jack honorably served his country during the Korean War. He graduated from La Porte High School with the Class of 1948 and was a former member of First Christian Church in La Porte. He was also a longtime member of the YMCA.

 

Baseball and softball were lifelong passions for Jack. He devoted countless hours to the youth of La Porte through the Pony & Colt Baseball Leagues, coaching Pony & Colt teams for 12 years and women's softball for 23 years. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, he was inducted into the ASA (American Softball Association) Hall of Fame. Jack often credited his mother and grandmother as the greatest influences in his life, and above all else, he was deeply devoted to his family.

 

Surviving are his beloved wife, Esther Busfield; daughter, Mary (Ron) Willoughby of Phoenix, Arizona; son, Jack Le Roy (Melodee) Busfield of La Porte; granddaughter, Jaclyn Buss; one step-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Betty Flaherty, Ruth Smith, Helen Wondergem, Peggy Yoder, and Richard Busfield.

 

A Private graveside service and burial were held at Patton Cemetery, where military honors took place.

 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel in La Porte.

 

Family and friends are invited to light a virtual candle, share a cherished memory, or leave a message of comfort for Richard's family by visiting esslingfuneralhome.com.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to the La Porte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. State Road 2, La Porte, IN 46350, or to First Christian Church, Maple Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350.