Kenneth V. ‘Kenny’ Gragg, 102, of Warsaw, Ind., passed away on 10:40 Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in his home.
Kenneth Victor Gragg was born Nov. 26, 1911, in Etna Green, Ind., to George and Hettie (Williamson) Gragg. He was a 1931 graduate of Etna Green High School. And on May 20, 1933, also in Etna Green, Kenny took Bonnie Smith to be his wife. They would share a remarkable 81 years together. She survives.
A lifetime Kosciusko County resident, Kenny co-owned Martin and Gragg Equipment Company in Bremen for 9 years, Gragg Equipment Company in Nappanee for 2 years and Gragg Equipment Company (now Bobcat of Warsaw) for 53 years – all three were International Harvester dealerships. Until age 99 he continued to sweep the floors, empty the wastebaskets, etc. at Bobcat of Warsaw. Kenny was always service oriented in his business dealings and as honest as the day is long. Kenny was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Warsaw, for 65 years. He lived his faith daily. He was raised into the Warsaw Masonic Lodge No. 73, F. & A. M. on Dec. 17, 1945, and was also a member of the Scottish Rite of Fort Wayne. Kenny enjoyed gardening and working in the yard. For 20 years he and Bonnie wintered in Fort Meyers and then Arcadia, Fla. Although stern by nature, he was a very humble and gracious man. He was very proud of his family. His sweet smile and disposition will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife; his son: Don (Diana) Gragg, Sturgis, Mich.; daughter: Joann (Merl) Heckaman, Warsaw; five grandchildren: Jay (Sharon) Heckaman, Warsaw; Kay (Robert) Ruggier, Warsaw; Eric (Nicole) Heckaman, Warsaw; Tim (Noel) Heckaman, Warsaw; and Tona Molebash, Bremen, Ind.; one granddaughter-in-law: Julie Heckaman, Claypool, Ind.; 15 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and four step-great-great-grandchildren.
Kenny was preceded in his death by his parents; grandson: Brian Heckaman; and great-granddaughter: Josie Heckaman.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw. A Masonic Memorial Service will follow at 7 p.m. in the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, in the funeral home. Pastor Dave Hummel of Trinity United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.
The family has asked that gifts in Kenny’s memory be given to the church he loved, Trinity United Methodist Church, 832 E. Center Street, Warsaw, IN 46580. The staff of Titus Funeral Home considers it a privilege and an honor to care for the family and friends of Kenneth V. Gragg.
To leave condolences, visit the Titus Funeral Home website.