Hershel D. Ankrom, Jr.

Hershel D. Ankrom, Jr., was born in New Castle, Indiana, on October 28, 1928. He passed away on Monday, May 6, 2019, at the Indiana Veterans’ Home in West Lafayette.

Ankrom was the son of Hershel D. Ankrom and Minnie May Fraizer Ankrom, both of whom were educators and engaged in farming. He had one sister, Eldora May Ankrom Longworth, also a teacher.

Using a fake ID, he made an unsuccessful attempt to enlist during World War II, while still a high school student in New Lisbon. He was married to his best friend, Beverly Sue Acker Ankrom, from 1949 until her death in 2014. They farmed until he entered the Army. He served in the 82nd Airborne, then returned to Henry County, eventually retiring from Chrysler.

Ankrom did volunteer work over many years, first teaching tractor maintenance through 4-H, then firearm marksmanship, firearm safety, and hunter safety through the NRA, Boy Scouts, DeMolay, 4-H, and Department of Natural Resources.

Ankrom was a member of the New Lisbon Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); he was also a Freemason and a member of Scottish Rite; he belonged to the American Legion and the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association, was a Benefactor Life Member of the National Rifle Association, and held an honorary life membership in the National Rifle and Pistol Association of Ireland.

He leaves daughter Shawn R. Ankrom; granddaughter Iris M. Ankrom-Crittenden; son Jeffrey S. Ankrom and son-in-law Samuel N. Rosenberg; brother-in-law James A. Acker and sisters-in-law Miriam Acker Brown and Georgena Alley Kabel; as well as generations of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ankrom donated his body to the Indiana University School of Medicine. His ashes will ultimately be interred at Hillsboro Cemetery and at South Mound Cemetery in New Castle.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Indiana Veterans’ Home, 3851 N. River Rd., West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, or to the Salvation Army.

Family and friends may call from 10:00 AM until 12 noon on Monday, May 13, 2019, at Macer-Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Funeral service will be held at 12 noon, also on Monday, May 13, 2019, at Macer-Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, with Rev. Alecia Gross officiating.

The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Indiana Patriot Guard will be honoring Ankrom.

Online condolences can be made at www.macerhall.com .

Macer-Hall funeral directors are honored to serve the family of Hershel D. Ankrom, Jr.