Richard C. "Dick" Erne, age 82, of Columbia City passed away at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at his residence. 

Born on August 2, 1925, in Columbia City, he was the son of William Ray Erne and Vivian E. (Gee) Erne.

Mr. Erne was reared in Columbia City and attended Columbia City High School. He also attended Ivy Tech, Fort Wayne, for 2 years.

Mr. Erne resided in Columbia City until 1943 when he moved to Indianapolis, he then returned to reside in Columbia City in 1969.

On April 22, 1945, he married June M. (Ward) at Indianapolis. He worked 30 years with Szabo Food Service as food service director at several locations throughout Indiana. He then worked 13 years at Whitley County Memorial Hospital in Columbia City as food service director, retiring in 1990. He worked part-time for Passages, Inc., Carriage House Flowers and Whitley County Jail in the food service department.

He attended First Church of God, and was a 30 year member of Columbia City Kiwanis Club, where he served as president numerous times and served as past Lt. Governor of Land of Lakes Division of Kiwanis International. He also served as the supervisor for Whitley/Noble County Red Cross Disaster Services. He was a former staff member of Whitley County Emergency Management Agency and also was Charter President of Whiltey County Child Abuse Prevention Council and was a former board member. Mr. Erne was very instrumental in the creation of the Kid's Dreamland Playground and the revitalization of Morsches Park Pond, both in Columbia City. In 2001 Dick was voted "Citizen of the Year" by the Columbia City Chamber of Commerce.      

Survivors include his 3 sons, Robin E. (Irene S. Welch) Erne, Oxford , Florida, Ted M. (Jeanette L.) Erne, Columbia City and Patrick D. (Dee A.) Erne, Wolcottville; two daughters, Cathy E. Erne of Columbia City and Mary Jo (Ronda Hartup) Schaaf, North Webster; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; two brothers, James (Jo) Erne, Jeffersonville, Indiana, and Robert (Dale) Edington, Fort Wayne; and two sisters, Rene May Milborne, Eaton Rapids, Michigan, and Ruth Ellen (Charles) Pugh, Monongahela, Pennsylvania.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William Ray Erne and Vivian E. (Gee) Erne, his wife, June M. Erne, a son, Timothy W. Erne and a sister, Dorothy Mettler. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2008, from 2-7 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 6, 2008, at the funeral home with Chaplain Larry Rice, Jr. of Parkview Home Health and Hospice officiating. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery, East Ellsworth Street, ColumbiaCity. Memorial bequest may be given in Mr. Erne's memory to Northeast Indiana Chapter of American Red Cross, Kiwanis International Foundation or Columbia City Parks and Recreational Department. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com.

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Loyal "Doug" Douglas, age 77, of Churubusco passed away after a battle with cancer at 9:38 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at his home.

Born on July 5, 1930 in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Charles E. and Florence (Lopshire) Douglas.

He graduated with the Class of 1948 from Elmhurst High School, Fort Wayne. A Fort Wayne native, he has resided in Whitley County since 1981. On March 23, 1981, he married Joyce F. Snider in Las Vegas, Nevada.

After 29 years of service as a foreman, he retired from CMS Roofing, Fort Wayne. His memberships included the Eagles Lodge #1906, Columbia City.  

Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Joyce F. Douglas of Churubusco; his 101-year-old mother, Florence Douglas of Ossian; children, Gregory (Teresa) Douglas of Bluffton, Scott (companion, Angie) Douglas of Columbia City, Jeff Douglas of Ossian and Julie Douglas of Fort Wayne; step-children, Roger (Judy) Hartman, Gary (Nancy) Hartman, Janet (Basle) Trimmer and Gail (Kay) Hartman all of Columbia City; 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; sister, Donna Degler of Fort Wayne; brothers-in-law, Charles (Millie) Snider and Paul (Joann) Cox both of Columbia City; and several nieces.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Kemp. 

To honor the request of Mr. Douglas, there will be no visitation. Graveside service is 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 5, 2008, at Oak Grove Cemetery, 1970 E Keiser Road, Columbia City with Penny Mosher, Pastor of Congregational Care at First Church of God, officiating. Memorial bequests may be given in memory of Mr. Douglas to the Douglas Family. Envelopes will be available at the graveside and the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City. To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com

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Robert H. Gruwell, 74, of Fort Wayne, died Monday, June 30, 2008, at Lutheran Hospital.

A Wabash County native, he served in the US Army.

Mr. Gruwell was the owner of Gruwell’s Baker in South Whitley and Waynedale Bakery.

He was a member of the Columbia City Elks and American Legion Post 82.

Survivors include his wife, Sharlene; sons, Mark (Janet) Gruwell of Elkhart, Rich Gruwell of Fort Wayne and Thomas (Kristine) Gruwell of LaOtto; grandchildren, Jessica, Elizabeth, Melissa, Nicolas, Trent and Rebecca; and a great-granddaughter, Karisma. He is also survived by a brother, Ed Brarrus of Leesburg.

A Celebration of Life service is from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Darley Barn on West River Road, South Whitley. Burial in South Whitley.

Arrangements by Advantage Funeral Cremation Services.

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David McFeters, 59, died Friday, June 27, 2008 at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born in Fort Wayne, and attended First Assembly of God.
Survivors include sisters, Debora McFeters of Fort Wayne, Bobbi Bushee of Fruitland Park, Florida, Marianne Rearick of Decatur, Indiana, Abby Rose Gray of Morgantown, Indiana; brother, Bernard McFeters Jr. of Kimmel, Indiana.
He is preceded in death by parents, Bernard Sr. and Lillian McFeters.
Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, July 3 at Passages, 3897 S. Washington Road, Columbia City.

Arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, Fort Wayne.

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Terry W. Stratton, 65, died Monday, June 30, 2008, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Born in Bedford, Ind., he was a Paint Inspector with General Motors for 23 years, retiring in 2003.

Survivors include his wife, Esther Stratton of Columbia City; son, Robert Stratton of Fort Wayne; daughter, Debra Lyons of New Haven; and grandson, Michael Schaffner of Monroeville.

There will be no service or calling.

Arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, Fort Wayne. Memorials to the American Cancer Society.

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Garold O. "Joe" Slusher Jr., 56, of Pierceton died at 1:53 a.m. on June 28 at Kosciusko Community Hospital in Warsaw.

He was born June 7, 1952, in Warsaw.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Slusher of Pierceton, a daughter, Crystal (Drew) Stump, two sons, Samuel Joe Slusher and Bryan Slusher, all of Pierceton, two brothers, James Slusher of Pierceton and Paul (Connie) Slusher of Warsaw, and sisters, including Pam (Roger) Albertson of Winona Lake, Burtha (William) Bromley of Columbia City, Betty (Mark) Jackson of Pierceton, Becky (Brent) Rice of Pierceton, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be held at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel in Pierceton on Wednesday July 2, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Calling hours will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday July 1, 2008. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton.

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Mary A. Mazelin, 80, of Ossian, died Sunday, June 29, 2008, at Ossian Health Care.

She was born on July 27, 1927, in Noble County to Leonard and Mary (Barr) Johnson.

On February 5, 1948, she married Raymond R. Mazelin. Mr. Mazelin died September 20, 2003.

She was the owner of Big M Restaurant in Fort Wayne, along with other businesses before retiring to Arizona in 1977. She had been a member of Bluffton First Church of the Nazarene.

She is survived by two daughters, Linda (Ed) Herman of Ossian and Carla (Bob) Maggard of Herriman, Utah; brothers, Norman E. Johnson of Fort Wayne and James L. Johnson of Columbia City; four grandchildren, Adam McCamis of Florida, Lauren Camp of Colorado, Cache Limbaugh and Alexandra Garn, both of Utah; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond R. Mazelin, her parents, Leonard and Mary (Barr) Johnson; sisters, Virginia Johnson and Eunice Johnson; and brother, Donald S. Johnson.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Bluffton First Church of the Nazarene, 1515 Clark St., Bluffton, with visitation two hours prior at the church. Burial in Mazelin Cemetery, rural Adams County. Arrangements by Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Funeral Home, Ossian Chapel.

Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

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Edna C. Orr Lower, age 94, passed away Friday, June 27, 2008, at Edwards Hospital in Naperville, Illinois.

Born on May 9, 1914, in Celina, Ohio, she moved to Fort Wayne in 1932 and graduated from International Business College.

She met and married Fay A. "Pete" Lower in 1934, in Columbia City.

She was a secretary with G.C. Murphy Company for 16 years, retiring in 1972.

Survivors include son, Dave (Joyce) Lower of Memphis, Tennessee.; daughter, Jana (Michael) LaSalle of Naperville, Illinois.; three grandsons, Nick A. (Elizabeth) Wetmore of New Lenox, Illinois., Neal T. (Melanie) Wetmore of Tinley Park, Illinois., and Dean (Meredith) Lower of Tampa, Florida.; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by husband, Pete; parents, Charles and Esta Orr; a brother; and two sisters.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at D.O. McComb & Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road. Calling is from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial in Lindenwood Cemetery.

Memorials to may be given to: ADOPT (Animals Deserving of Proper Treatment), 420 Industrial Drive, Naperville, IL 60563.

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John Eldon Bainbridge 78, longtime Speedway, Indiana, resident passed away on June 26, 2008 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

John grew up in Columbia City. He was a graduate of Ball State University where he majored in education and where he met his devoted wife of 53 years, Betty.

Prior to beginning his distinguished, 41-year career in education, John served in two branches of the military, the US Army and the Marine Reserves.

John began teaching in the Muncie public school system in 1954. He moved into administration and became the Principal at Frank H. Wheeler Elementary School in 1956. He ultimately retired as Principal of Speedway High School in 1995.

After retirement John had a second career in politics. He served on the Speedway Town Council for 4 years as well as the Indianapolis City County Council for 4 years. John had a strong sense of civic duty and was actively involved with the Speedway Lions Club, Indiana Swimming, Speedway Chamber of Commerce and Speedway Dollars for Scholars. He was also the recipient of the Sagamore Of The Wabash award.

Most importantly he enjoyed being "Poppy" to his cherished grandchildren.

John is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter, Connie (Scott) Schreiber Harris; son, Bradley (Anthony Burns) Bainbridge; grandsons, William Riley Schreiber Harris and Jackson Bainbridge Harris; sister, Janis Magnus of Cromwell, Indiana, and several nieces and nephews.

Because much of John's life work and passion revolved around providing a quality public education to the people of the Town of Speedway, the family requests supporting Speedway Dollars for Scholars in lieu of flowers. This program provides financial assistance to Speedway High School graduates to attain further education. Speedway Dollars For Scholars, Speedway Public Schools—Administrative Office, CO J. Bainbridge Scholarship Fund, 2335 West 25th Street, Speedway, IN 46224.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 10 from 3-6 p.m. with a memorial service celebrating John's life to follow at 7 p.m., both at the Speedway High School Auditorium, use southwest entrance.

Arrangements are being handled by Flanner & Buchanan Funeral Home, Indianapolis. Visit their website at www.flannerbuchanan.com

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Kevin Michael Lowen, age 47, of Columbia City, passed away at 5:05 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2008, at his Thorncreek Township residence, after a long time battle with a brain tumor.

Born on May 18, 1961, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Howard E. and Rosemary L.(Carney) Lowen, Sr.

He was a lifetime resident of Columbia City, graduating from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1979, where he played on the high school football team.

On June 13, 1981, he married Gloria L. Minnick in the Columbia City United Methodist Church.

He worked for Columbia City Municipal Utilities as the Supervisor of the Street and Sewer Department of Columbia City for 22 years.

He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and playing poker, but most importantly, his role as a husband and dad.

Survivors include his wife, Gloria L. Lowen of Columbia City; a son, Taylor (Brittany Downing, fiance’) M. Lowen of Columbia City; his parents, Howard E. and Rosemary L. Lowen, Sr., of Columbia City; two brothers, Jeffery L. (Suzanne R.) Lowen of Punta Gorda, Florida; and Howard E. (Jodi) Lowen, Jr. of Columbia City; his father-in-law, Nick Minnick of Fort Wayne; his mother-in-law, Sharon R. (Dale R.) Coffelt of Columbia City and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his maternal grandparents, Kenneth and Edrie Carney, and paternal grandparents, Eugene and Leah Lowen.

Visitation is 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2008, at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at funeral home with Rosie Coyle, Clerk of Columbia City, officiating, along with DeMoney-Grimes funeral celebrants. Burial will follow at Thorn Cemetery, Ormas, Noble County.

Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Lowen to Riley's Children Hospital, Brain Tumor Research at Indiana University or to Heartland Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To send condolences or sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com

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Marcella M. Schaefer, 80, a resident of rural Washington Township in Allen County and wife of Elmer H. Schaefer, died at 4:55 p. m. on Thursday, June 26, 2008, at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. She had been in failing health for the past two years, and had been a patient at the hospice home for the past week.

Mrs. Schaefer was born on November 2, 1927, in Lake Township, a daughter of August and Mildred (Weisenburger) Felger. She spent her formative years in Lake Township, and was a graduate of Arcola High School.

On September 17, 1949, she was married in Lake Township to Elmer H. Schaefer. The couple spent the early years of their marriage in Fort Wayne, and had lived at their present home in Washington Township since 1972.

A homemaker all of her adult life, she was a member of Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church, west of Fort Wayne. In her leisure time, she enjoyed her flower and vegetable gardens, canning, cooking and baking, and most especially loved and enjoyed her children and grandchildren.

The surviving relatives include her husband Elmer; her children Dennis L. (Linda) Schaefer, Deborah (Michael) Reinking, and Diana (David) Greener, all of Fort Wayne, and Dalene (Mark) Thompson of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; a brother Delmar E. “Bud” (Marilyn) Felger of Fort Wayne; ten grandchildren, including Zachary and Brooke Schaefer, Brad, Julie, and Jonathan Reinking, Danielle (Brian) Bostwick, Matthew and Melissa Greener, and Casey and Jacob Thompson; and a great-grandson Andrew Bostwick.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. on Tuesday, July 1, at the Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church,

6318 W. California Road

, with Pastors Jerry Nichols and Norman Aman, officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco on Monday from 2 to 8 p. m., or at the church after 9:30 a. m. Tuesday.

Interment will be in the church cemetery.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the church air conditioning fund, the church school tuition assistance fund, or to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home.

Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.sheetsandchilds.net

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George Greenwell, Jr. age 81, a former long time resident of Bear Lake near Albion, died Thursday morning June 26, 2008, at Miller’s Merry Manor Nursing Home in Columbia City. He had been a patient in the facility since 2004.

George was born May 7, 1927, in Eel River Township, Allen County, a son of the late George and Orpha E. (Johnson) Greenwell, Sr.

He lived much of his life in the Churubusco area, and spent many years at Bear Lake. As a young man he served in the U. S. Army from 1952 to 1954. While serving in Korea he was awarded the Korean Service Ribbon with two bronze stars, the National Defense Service Medal, the United States Service Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He formerly worked at Marhoffer Packing Co. in Fort Wayne for four years, the Allen County Power Plant for 18 years, and tended bar at the Churubusco American Legion Post and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, both for 10 years. He was also a member of both veteran’s organizations.

The survivors include his former wife Evelyn Rollins of Columbia City; two daughters Susan (John) Helblig of Huntington, and Alice (Merlin) Rice of Wolf Lake; and six grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Monday June 30, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Pastor Kerry L. Niman of Eel River Baptist Church, officiating.

The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Sunday from 2 to 5 p. m.

Burial with military graveside rites will follow at the Christian Chapel Cemetery in Merriam.

Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.sheetsandchilds.net

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Shirley Ann Call, 71, of Columbia City, died peacefully at 12:58 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2008 at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born October 7, 1936, in Green Township, Noble County. As a young girl, her family moved to Jefferson Township, Noble County. She graduated from Albion High School.
On December 12, 1954, she was united in marriage to Gilbert “Dean” Call. They made their home in Green Township and Albion before moving to Columbia City in 1964. They moved to their present home in 1973.
She was a member of Green Center United Methodist Church and had been attending Columbia City Church of the Nazarene.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Gilbert “Dean”; four daughters, Karen (Steve) Briggs of Columbia City, Paula (Jim) Davis of Columbia City, Lisa Dean (Charles) Coults of Beverly, Mass. and Tina (Ryan) Wood of Columbia City; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Beverly (Jack) Manor of Cherokee Village, Arkansas.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2008, at Columbia City Church of the Nazarene, 506 N. Main Street, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Visitation will also be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Rehoboth Cemetery, Noble County.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Parkview Home Health & Hospice.

Messages of condolence may be left at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com

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Tamara S. Kyler, 46, of rural Larwill, died at 3 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at her home.
She was born May 24, 1962 in Whitley County Memorial Hospital, Columbia City a daughter of Don A. and Marilee (Metzger) Kreider. Her formative years were spent in Etna Troy Township and graduated from Columbia City Joint High School. She received her degree in cosmetology from Ravenscroft Beauty College.
A hair stylist for many years, she served her clients at Looking Good and Snippers.
On February 27, 1988 she was united in marriage to Timothy J. Kyler. They always made their home in Richland Township, moving to their present home 12 years ago. She was a member of New Hope Wesleyan Church and formerly the pianist for many years for South Whitley United Methodist Church Praise Team. In her 14 years of cancer survival, she comforted many others as she continued to face additional health complications.
Surviving relatives include her husband of 20 years, Tim; three daughters, Tiffany J. Kyler of Warsaw, Tisha L. Kyler and Tory L. Kyler, both at home; her parents, Don & Marilee Kreider of Columbia City; a brother, Tim Kreider of Fort Wayne; a sister, Teresa Bauer of Spencerville; and her in-laws, Lynn & June Kyler of Clermont, Florida.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 30, 2008 at New Hope Wesleyan Church, 971 N. 400 West, Columbia City with viewing one hour prior to the service. Viewing will also be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Adams Cemetery.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to New Hope Wesleyan Church.

Messages of condolence my be posted below or by visiting www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com

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James L. “Jim” Crouch, 69, of South Whitley, died at 12:28 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2008 in the emergency room at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.
He was born October 10, 1938 in Warsaw, Indiana a son of Charles R. and Helen E. (Gaskill) Crouch. His formative years were spent in Pierceton. He graduated from Pierceton High School.
An United States Army veteran, he worked on the railroad and for Snell Truck Lines.
On November 1, 1969 he was united in marriage to Patricia K. Myers. They have always made their home in South Whitley at their present address.
He drove truck for 38 years before his retirement, primarily for South Whitley Trucking.
He enjoyed fishing.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Patty; a daughter, Christine Crouch of South Whitley; three granddaughters; a brother, Joe Crouch of Anderson; and a sister, Janet Mishler of Warsaw.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2008 at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley with Rev. James Clifford officiating. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. The visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and one hour before the service on Friday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to American Heart Association.

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