John Forrest “Baitman” Ferrell, 79, of La Porte, Ind., passed away Monday, June 14, 2021, at his home.
He was born Oct. 24, 1941, in La Porte, the son of Forrest Wilbur and Elsie Marie (Zila) Ferrell.
A lifelong resident of La Porte, John was an entrepreneur and salesman his entire working life. He and his wife, Karen, who was “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 served on the La Porte City Police Merit Board and was a lifetime member of the NRA. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and 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.
On Dec. 1, 1962, at First 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 and Tony (Amy) Ferrell of La Porte; two daughters, Kelly (Andrew) Crowl of Rolling Prairie, Ind., and 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, and Madison and Aubrey Gierke; son-in-law, Joe Gierke of La Porte; brother-in-law, James Dowd of St. Cloud, Fla.; many nieces and nephews; and the entire “All Star” family.
John was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, La Porte, on Thursday, June 17, from 3:30 to 7 p.m. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 7 p.m. Thursday with retired Pastor Dr. Rod Nielsen officiating. Cremation will take place.
Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the American Diabetes Association, 55 E. Monroe St., Ste 3420, Chicago, Ill. 60603; or The National Autism Association of Northwest Indiana, PO Box 216, Hobart, Ind. 46342.
Messages of condolence may be posted below.