Loran Bowen McMaster, Jr. passed away in Coloma Michigan on Saturday, January 20th from health complications. He is survived by his wife, Diana Lee nee Ferguson, and his children Jessie Lee Howell, Jeffry Scott, and William Richard.

Loran, known as "Mac" to family and friends, was born at St. Elizabeth hospital in Lafayette on March 11, 1930 to Helen nee Coleman and Loran B. McMaster, Sr. He moved around as a youth, including a year in high school in Lima, Ohio where he was a classmate of Neil Armstrong, eventually graduating from Attica High School in 1948. He subsequently joined the U.S. Air Force, where due to a perforated ear drum he was not allowed to become a pilot, opting instead to become military policemen in the 101st Airborne. He served in the Panama Canal Zone during the Korean conflict, racing his motorcycle through the Panamanian mountains, where he also met and married Diana before returning to the states.

The couple then returned to the Midwest, eventually settling in Romney, Indiana where they resided for over 50 years at a variety of residences. Mac worked at the Alcoa Aluminum Works as an electrician, where parts of the lunar module that Neil Armstrong used to land on the moon were manufactured. Mac eventually retired from Alcoa. His family were regular members of St. James Lutheran Church in Lafayette for many years, before switching to Holy Cross Lutheran in Crawfordsville, and eventually Grace Lutheran south of Lafayette. Loran was a long-time Scoutmaster when Jeff and Billy were in the scouts, leading many memorable camping trips and outings at Cary Camp in the summers. Loran was also active with the American Legion, as well as being a member of the VFW. Mac even ran for a local political office on the Democratic ticket, but many people voted for him anyway! After retirement, Mac became even more active with the Legion, driving the veteran's van to Indianapolis to help those less fortunate than himself, as well as being very active in the church and community. Eventually, time and health issues took their toll, and Mac, Diana and Jeff moved to Coloma, Michigan to be close to Jessie and her family. During the last few years, Jessie was able to spend a lot of time helping Loran, Diana and Jeff become comfortable with their new surroundings, away from lifelong friends back in Romney. When Loran's time came, it was quick and painless, surrounded by his immediate family, and his new time in Heaven can now be spend riding motorcycles he so loved and waiting for family and friends to join him.