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July 23, 2009
He was born April 22, 1917, in Whitley County, Indiana a son of Lewis and Ida R. (Frederick) Walter.
July 21, 2009
Steven Max Byers, 62
After six months of illness, Steven Max Byers, 62, of Columbia City, passed away at 1:25 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2009 at Select Specialty Hospital , Fort Wayne, surrounded by his family at his bedside.
Born on June 12, 1947 in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Harry Max and Marjorie Alice (Van Curen) Byers.
A lifelong resident of Columbia City growing up in the Tri-Lakes area, he graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1965. Steve enlisted in the United States Navy in 1966 and he served in Vietnam stationed on the U.S.S. Ranger.
On November 20, 1970, he was united in marriage to Carolyn "Carol" Elaine Craft in Whitley County.
A longtime tool & die maker, he worked at C & A Tool in Churubusco from 1978 to 1984. In 1984, he started working for Precision Plastics as a tool and die maker until 1994, when he returned to his present job at C & A Tool, where he was employed through February 2009.
He was a member of St. Matthews United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Carol E. Byers of Columbia City; a son, Jason Scott (Adela) Byers of Columbia City; a daughter, DeeDee Elaine Sowers of Columbia City; two grandchildren, James Wesley Byers and Abigail Elaine Ruch both of Columbia City; a sister, Mary (Doug) Harp of Pittsboro, Indiana; two brothers, David (Jeannie) Byers and Danny Byers both of Columbia City; two half-brothers, Jimmy (Paula) Davis of Columbia City and Mike (Ruth) Davis of Fort Wayne.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Max Byers and Marjorie Alice Byers Davis.
A memorial service is on Saturday, July 25, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. with one hour of calling prior to service with the family at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City. Pastor Michael Dillon will officiate. Memorial donations may be given to the Steven Byers family.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
July 19, 2009
Charles Milton Krider, 71
Charles Milton Krider, 71, of Columbia City, died at 6:02 p.m. Saturday, July 18, 2009 at Parkview Whitley Hospital where he was admitted on Saturday, July 11. 
He was born September 28, 1937 in Whitley County, a son of George W. and Mildred M. (Hill) Krider. He graduated from Columbia City High School in 1955.
In 1957, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged in 1961.
On September 21, 1958, he was united in marriage to Mary O. Ewing. They made their home in Hawaii for two years, later moving to Pugent Sound, Washington, and later San Diego, California, before returning to Columbia City in 1961.
He retired from BF Goodrich with 37 years of service in 1997.
His memberships included Columbia City United Methodist Church, Larwill Due Guard Lodge #278 F. & A.M. where he was Worshipful Master, Mizpah Shrine where he served on Board of Trustees of Mizpah Temple, Mizpah Antique Power Club, Whitley County Shrine Club where he served as treasurer, Order of the Eastern Star #65, Board of Directors of Whitley County Senior Citizens Center and Eagles #1906.
Surviving relatives include his wife of 50 years, Mary; three children, Tamara (Joe) Daniels, Timothy (Jane) Krider and Jeffrey (Annette) Krider, all of Columbia City; six grandchildren, Dennise Wells, Shawn Daniels, Jennifer Cochran, Brandon Daniels, Addison Krider and Wyatt Krider; five great-grandchildren, Sydnee Macy, Andrew, Cordell & Candace Cochran and Layla Daniels; three brothers and a sister, Robert (Dolores) Krider, Richard (Joan) Krider, Joan (Chet) Simon and Harold (Jo) Krider, all of Columbia City.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Krider; a grandson, Timothy Krider Jr.; three brothers, Ronald Krider, Raymond Krider and Lawrence Krider; and a sister, Virginia Snodgrass.
The service is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and 2 to 4 & 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. A Masonic service will be conducted following visitation on Wednesday.
The burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery with the Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard presenting military honors.
Preferred memorials to Shriners Hospitals for Children or Parkview Home Health & Hospice.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
Megan Christine Young, 16
Megan Christine Young, 16, a resident of rural Columbia City in Smith Township, passed away on Thursday afternoon, July 16, 2009, from the results of a one vehicle accident on County Road 550-East in rural Whitley County. 
Megan was born on January 1, 1993, in Beech Grove, a daughter of C. Christopher and Tanya C. (Widmer) Young, and moved with her family to the Churubusco-area from Indianapolis in 1997.
A junior at Churubusco High School, she excelled in academics. She was a member of the school’s volleyball and basketball teams. Megan was also a member of FFA. She was employed part-time at Kroger’s in Columbia City and also had a part-time business cleaning homes.
In her leisure time she loved animals, being outdoors, four-wheeling and activities with her family.
She was a member of St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Churubusco.
The surviving relatives include her parents Chris and Tanya Young; a sister Morgan Young, a sophomore at Churubusco High School; a grandmother Toy Widmer of Elberfeld, Indiana; a great-grandmother Polly Brown of Evansville; two uncles Chris Widmer of Evansville and Dan [Laura] Rexroad of Dover, Ohio; two aunts Amy Young of Evansville, and Misty Widmer of Boonville; and several cousins.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a. m. Monday, July 20, at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Churubusco with Father Babasino Fernandes, the celebrant.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 19, from 2 to 7 p. m. at the Churubusco High School Gymnasium, with a memorial service following at 7 p. m., facilitated by Jon Pelz of Campus Life Ministries.
Interment will be in the Ege Catholic Cemetery, Noble County.
An additional memorial mass will be celebrated at 10 a. m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2009, at St. Joseph In the City Catholic Church, 600 E. Virginia St., Evansville, with Father Jean Vogler, the celebrant.
Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Churubusco High School Athletic Department, 1 Eagle Drive, Churubusco, IN 46723, or for Masses.
Andrew C. “Andy” Spencer, 17
Andrew C. “Andy” Spencer, 17, a resident of rural Churubusco, passed away on Thursday afternoon, July 16, 2009, from the results of a one vehicle accident on County Road 550 East in rural Whitley County. 
Andy was born on December 15, 1991, in Fort Wayne, a son of Michael A. and Cathy A. (Lonsbury) Spencer. He was a lifelong resident of Churubusco where he was to start his senior year at Churubusco High School this fall. He was a member of the Churubusco High School basketball team, and lettered in both football and baseball.
He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Churubusco.
The surviving relatives include his parents Michael and Cathy Spencer; his sister Samantha (Austin) Wagner of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; his brother Bobby M. Spencer of Churubusco; the paternal grandparents, Robert C. and Judith A. Spencer of Churubusco; and the maternal grandmother Sharron Lonsbury of Huntertown. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Clyde F. Lonsbury.
Funeral services will be held on Monday July 20, 2009, at 2:30 p. m. at the Faith Lutheran Church in Churubusco with Pastor Lane Burgland officiating. Burial will follow in the Riverview Cemetery, south of Churubusco.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 19, 2009 from 2 to 7 p. m. at the Churubusco High School Gymnasium, with a memorial service following at 7 p.m. facilitated by Jon Pelz of Campus Life Ministries.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the Spencer Family to establish a Scholarship Fund in Andy’s name. Envelopes will be available at the school and church.
Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is in charge of the arrangements.
Maxine Cearbaugh - Pending
Funeral services are pending for Maxine Cearbaugh at Smith & Sons Funeral Home in Columbia City. As soon as more information is available, it will be published here on Talk of the Town.
July 17, 2009
Julia Evelyn Pauley, 88
Julia Evelyn Pauley, 88, of Columbia City and formerly of West Virginia, passed away at 1:29 a.m. at Parkview Whitley Hospital. 
Born on February 15, 1921 in Sanderson, West Virginia, she was the daughter of Ray and Altha (Melton) Myers.
She attended the Charleston area, West Virginia school system. She married Albert Pauley and was a devoted wife and homemaker. The majority of her lifetime was spent in West Virginia, moving to Columbia City in May of 2009 to be closer to family. She was a member of the Baptist Church in Elkview, West Virginia.
Survivors include a sister, Imogene Crowder of Columbia City; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brothers, Ronald, Clarence, Lawrence, Darrell and Emery "Babe" Myers, and sister, Janet Woodrum.
Funeral service is Sunday, July 19, 2009 at 2 p.m. with calling one hour prior to service at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, ColumbiaCity. Pastors Caroll McNutt and Jack Hierholzer will officiate. Burial will be at a later date at Elk Hills Memorial Park, Big Chimney, West Virginia. Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Pauley to the Whitley County Senior Center. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or to sign the guest register.
July 15, 2009
Grover Fredrick Schinbeckler, 89
Grover Fredrick Schinbeckler, 89, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully at 11:25 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2009, at Renaissance Village, Fort Wayne. 
Born on January 27, 1920, in Laud, he was orphaned the next day when his mother, Myrtle (Richmond) and father, Grover Cleveland Schinbeckler, died of a terrible influenza that ravished the country. Several days later his 5-year-old sister succumbed to influenza also. Grover's surviving 2-year-old brother, James, was taken to be raised by his Uncle Walter Schinbeckler and Grover was raised by Uncle John and Aunt Julia Schinbeckler.
A lifetime Dunfee, Whitley County, resident, he spent 4 years at the Watson School in Whitley County, 4 years at St. Patrick's School in Arcola and he graduated with the Class of 1939 from Central Catholic High School, Fort Wayne. He completed his education at the University of Dayton, Ohio, where he graduated with the Class of 1950 and he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Sociology and a Minor in Philosophy and English. His graduate work was completed at St. Louis, Missouri, School of Social Work. A veteran of World War II and the Korean War, he participated in two glider invasions during the Normandy, France , D-Day Invasion. He returned home in 1945.
After college, he worked for Arco Transforming Winding Coil, Konkel Valve. For 28 years, he worked for the State of Indiana Welfare Department, Catholic Charities, and State Department of Corrections. For 24 years, he worked for the Lake County Department of Public Welfare.
His memberships included Indiana Family Institute and he was very active in Pro-Life Northeast Indiana Rescue, Allen and Whitley Right to Life, Allen County Eagle Forum for Allen and Whitley Counties where he served as a board member, AARP, Post #82 American Legion and he served as past president of Holy Name Society.
An official member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Arcola, he taught CCD Christian Doctrine, served as Eucharistic Minister and Alter Server, organist and choir minister after World War II. He was organist for his adoptive mother's funeral mass while the children's choir sang. For many years he was an Embassy usher where he also played Santa Claus during the Christmas season.
Survivors include a nephew, Jimmie Lee Schinbeckler of Columbia City; a friend, James (Emma) Momper of Fort Wayne; cousins, Michael J. Maley of Highland, Indiana, and Mildred Bridge of Fort Wayne.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Schinbeckler, sister, Evelyn Schinbeckler and adopted parents, John and Julia Schinbeckler.
Visitation is 4:00-8:00 p.m. with a rosary service at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2009 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. with one hour of calling prior to service on Friday, July 17, 2009 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Father Cyril Fernandes of St. Patrick's Catholic Church officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne, with graveside military honors.
Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Schinbeckler to St. Patrick's Catholic Church Masses or Right to Life. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
July 14, 2009
Janyce A. Coomer, 77
Janyce A. Coomer, 77, of Columbia City, died at 9:12 a.m. Monday, July 13, 2009 at the Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. 
She was born August 30, 1931 in Muncie, Indiana a daughter of Roy T. and Evelyn H. (Parkhurst) DeWitt. Her formative years were spent in Muncie and Columbia City. She graduated from Columbia City High School.
She was employed as a supervisor at Scotts IGA for 12 years and after moving to Sarasota, Florida in 1971, was a supervisor at Quick Stop Food Stores for 18 years, returning to Columbia City in 1989.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Karen (Harry) Haskin of Columbia City; two grandsons, David Haskin and Jason Haskin; a great grandson, Devon Haskin; and a brother, David DeWitt.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Nolt Cemetery with Pastor Robert Crouse, pastor of Faith Baptist Church, officiating.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
July 13, 2009
Ronald Vaughn, 91
Ronald Vaughn, 91, of Columbia City died at 9:25 a.m., Sunday, July 12, 2009 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
Born in Allen County on March 1, 1918, he was the son of Fred M. and Agnes (Heidrich) Vaughn. 
He grew up in the Arcola area where he attended the Arcola public school system. He was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps. for 4 years completing his high school education during this time and where he served in the states of Idaho and Washington. The majority of his lifetime he resided in Fort Wayne, Allen County moving to Coesse, Whitley County, in 1966. On July 22, 1966, he was united in marriage to Dixie Spicher in Warsaw.
He was a former employee of Wayne Pump Company where he was a District Manager. In 1975, he retired as owner and founder of Wayne-Vaughn Equipment Company distributing Wayne Pump products to the tri-state area service stations.
Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Dixie Vaughn of Columbia City; daughters, Phyllis Anglin of Cornville, Arizona, and Judy Fultz of New Haven; step-daughters, Debra (James) Bear and Dee Ann Wright both of Columbia City; 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; a brother, James Vaughn of Fort Wayne; sisters, Alys Berlin and June (Gordon) Koontz both of Arcola and Virginia Gall of Alexandria; mother-in-law, Grace McGinnis of Warsaw; many loving and caring nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Hillis Willig, brothers, Marion, Kenneth and Douglas Vaughn, grandsons, Todd Anglin and Christopher Fultz.
Visitation is Wednesday, July 15, 2009 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home. Funeral service is Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Certified Funeral Celebrants, Sharon Brockhaus and Eddie P. Beagles Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Hope Lutheran Cemetery, Coesse. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Vaughn to Parkview Whitley Home Health & Hospice or Riley Hospital for Children. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or to sign the guest register book
Bessie Mae Williams, 61
Bessie Mae Williams, 61, of Pierceton, passed away at 3:45 p.m. Sunday, July 12, 2009 at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.
Born on April 6, 1948 in Hope, Kentucky, she was the daughter of James Chester and Coy M. (Johnson) Banks. 
At age 12, she moved from Kentucky to Columbia City, and in 2003 she moved to Warsaw. In 2005, she moved to her present home in Pierceton.
She attended Columbia City High School and on December 23, 1967, she married Otis B. Williams at First Baptist Church, South Whitley. She worked at Weatherhead, Dana Weatherhead and C.F. Gomma as an Inspector for 30 years; however, the most treasured job was caring and loving her 6 grandchildren.
She was a former member of First Church of God and Community of Hope, both located in Columbia City.
Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Otis B. Williams of Pierceton; daughters, Sharon Sue (Jason) Miley of Columbia City, Amy Adams of Pierceton, Arlene (Kent) Kerschner of Warsaw, 6 grandchildren, Sarah Elizabeth Kerschner, Justin Ford Kerschner, Noah Benjamin Adams, Abigail Mae Miley, Elizabeth Mae Miley and Andrew Otis Kerschner; brothers and sisters, Carl (Pat) Banks of Lexington, Kentucky; Virginia (Walter) Allard, Ishmeal (Linda) Banks, Michael (Marsha) Banks, Gary (Tammy) Banks, Freda Shepherd, Edward (Dee) Banks, Marie Banks, and Harriet (James) Brown all of Columbia City.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Linda Sue Banks and son-in-law, Bryan Adams.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 17, 2009 at the funeral home with Pastor Dan Gregory officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Memorial gifts may be given in memory of Mrs. Williams to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place , Memphis, TN 38105. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
