Maurice Rogers LaPlante, 87, of Englewood, Fla., passed away Monday, Oct. 22, 2012.

He was born in Chicago, Ill., May 8, 1925.

Maurice joined the U.S. Navy as a teenager and served during the war in World War II, Korea and the Pacific Ocean. After the service, he organized the police force in Wheeling, Ill., and Three Lakes, Wis. Maurice owned LaPlante Big Lake Lodge, a resort in northern Wisconsin, for over 20 years. The last six years, he has been the business partner of Paws And Claws in Englewood with his daughter, Lynda. Here Maurice was active at all the activities, especially being Pastor Maury for the pet weddings.

He is survived by his daughter, Judie; son, Kenny; daughter, Lynda; son, Donny; as well as four granddaughters; two grandsons; and numerous great-grandchildren.

A memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Englewood. A celebration of life get-together will be at Ole Time Café following the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society and the VA Hospice.

Arrangements are by Lemon Bay Funeral Home.