Dear Editor:

As 2015 comes to a close, so does my eight years of being a city councilman for the city of Nappanee. I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation to the voters and community for all their support given to me and my family. I have enjoyed my time on the council and ask that you give the newly elected and re-elected council members your full support.

Dana Hollar will be filling my seat on the council and I am confident that he will do a great job for the citizens of Nappanee. He was born and raised here, works here and has raised his family here as well. His knowledge of the inner workings of the city will be very useful for him.

I cannot thank you all enough for the encouragement and time you have given me during my years on the council. I will be forever grateful to Mayor Larry Thompson, Bobbie Wilson, and Kim Ingle for helping me step into politics and I look forward to serving the community in the future where I can.

The Chamber of Commerce and Redevelopment office is where you will continue to find me on a daily basis working inside the Nappanee Center.

Nappanee will continue to be in good hands with strong leadership in Mayor Jenkins. May God continue to bless you and your families and our new administration this New Year. Pray for them as they do the best for the citizens of Nappanee.

Jeff Kitson
Outgoing City Councilman District 4, city of Nappanee

UPDATE — The severe thunderstorm warning has been extended until 3:30 p.m. for northeastern Kosciusko County.

The National Weather Service is now stating the intense thunderstorm lines can produce brief tornadoes and widespread significant wind damage. Although a tornado is not immediately likely, it is best to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

These storms may cause serious injury and significant property damage. The storm could produce three-fourth size hail.

NORTHERN INDIANA — The northeastern portion of Kosciusko County, as well as Southwestern Elkhart County are in a severe thunderstorm warning until 3 p.m.

The National Weather Service, at 2:34 p.m. reported severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Bremen to near Bourbon to near Argos, moving northeast at 50 miles per hour. The storm has up to 60 mph wind gusts according to radar. The storm could cause damage to roofs, sidings and trees.

Locations impacted include Nappanee, Bremen, Bourbon, New Paris, Foreaker.

At 2:26 p.m. the National Weather Service had issued a special weather statement stating the storms may intensify and urged residents to monitor local the weather for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

The locations impacted by the special weather statement include: Warsaw, Nappanee, Winona Lake, Syracuse, Bourbon, Argos, Milford, Akron, Pierceton, and Mentone, as well as Elkhart, Goshen, Peru, Wabash, Plymouth, Rochester, North Manchester, Bremen, Dunlap, Wakarusa.

NORTHERN INDIANA — The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana has issued a wind advisory in effect from 10 p.m. this evening, Wednesday, Dec. 23, until 4 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 24.

The advisory includes Kosciusko, Noble, Starke, Marshall, Fulton, Whitley and Wabash counties along with LaPorte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, LaGrange, Steuben, DeKalb, Pulaski, White, Miami, Huntington, Wells, Adams, Grant, Blackford, Jay and counties in Michigan and Ohio.

A period of southwest winds of 25 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour, with gusts to 40 mph to 45 mph late this evening into the overnight. Travel may become difficult for high profile vehicles.

A wind advisory means sustained winds of 30 mph or gusts over 45 mph are expected. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Smoke escapes from the attic at the residence at 608 N. Lincoln St., Warsaw. (Photos by Deb Patterson)

UPDATE — It will be a sad Christmas for those residing at 608 N. Lincoln Street, Warsaw, as a member of their family was lost in a house fire earlier this evening. Attempts by paramedics with Lutheran EMS Kosciusko to revive a 2-year-old German shepherd/husky were unsuccessful.

Warsaw-Wayne Fire Department was notified around 5:25 p.m. of a house full of smoke at the Lincoln Street address. The male occupant of the home was able to exit the home, but the family pet was reported still inside and unresponsive. Firefighters located the K-9 and brought the pet out to paramedics. Paramedics attempted for over 5 minutes to revive the dog.

Warsaw/Wayne Township Fire Capt. Brooke Murphy reported Engine 3 was the first engine on scene and reported a working house fire.  A full assist from Winona Lake was called. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, which was contained to an upstairs bedroom.

Firefighters remained at the scene continuing to check for any hot spots remaining from the fire. The cause is still being investigated.

Leesburg and Pierceton Fire Departments were placed on standby for Warsaw-Wayne Township Fire Department.

According to the county GIS mapping system, the home is owned by Timothy R. Shinkle II.

WARSAW — Warsaw Police along with Warsaw Fire Department are en route to North Lincoln Street, near Lindberg Drive, where a homeowner is reporting there is smoke in his residence.

Winona Lake Fire Department has been called for a full assist.

NORAD HEADQUARTERS — Starting at 2:01 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, visitors to The North American Aerospace Defense Command website can watch Santa make preparations for his flight. NORAD’s “Santa Cams” will stream videos on the website as Santa makes his way over various locations.

Then, at 4 a.m. MST (6 a.m. EST), trackers worldwide can speak with a live phone operator to inquire as to Santa’s whereabouts by dialing the toll-free number (877) 446-6723 or by sending an email to noradtrackssanta@outlook.com. Any time on Dec. 24, Windows phone users can ask Cortana for Santa’s location, and OnStar subscribers can press the OnStar button in their vehicles to locate Santa.

NORAD Tracks Santa is a global experience, delighting generations of families everywhere. This is due, in large part, to the efforts and services of numerous program contributors.

The website is available in eight languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Chinese.

Official NORAD Tracks Santa apps are also available in the Windows, Apple and Google Play stores, so parents and children can countdown until Santa’s launch on their smart phones and tablets. Tracking opportunities are also offered on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Google+. Santa followers just need to type “@noradsanta” into each search engine to get started.

It all started in 1955 when a local media advertisement directed children to call Santa direct — only the number was misprinted. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone rang through to the Crew Commander on duty at the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center. Thus began the tradition, which NORAD carried on since it was created in 1958.

GOSHEN — A 22-year-old Goshen man died in a two-vehicle accident and a 2-year-old was taken to Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. The accident was at 2:41 p.m. on SR 15, south of CR 23, three miles north of the city limits of Goshen.

Edgar Perez-Fuentes, 22, was pronounced deceased at the scene from multiple fractures to the right side and a skull fracture.

Two-year-old Haddon Edlund, Goshen, was taken to Lutheran Hospital with skull fractures. Alexandra Edlund, 27, Goshen, driver of the vehicle in which the 2-year-old was a passenger, suffered a wrist fracture and complained of back pain. She was taken to IU Health Goshen.

Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department officials report Fuentes was southbound on SR 15, in the area of CR 23, in a 2006 BMW. His vehicle went left of center and sideways in the roadway. Alexandra Edlund was northbound on SR 15 in her 2006 Chevrolet Equinox, north of CR 26. The vehicle driven by Alexandra Edlund hit the front of Fuentes’ vehicle in her lane of travel.

No enforcement action was taken at the scene. The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department is still investigating.

Syracuse

Officers with the Syracuse Police Department investigated the following accident:

7:02 a.m. Friday, Dec. 18, North Huntington Street, north of East Benton Street, Syracuse. Drivers: Peyton O. Pike, 21, Warren Street, Huntington. Rodney D. Nichols, North Huntington Street, Syracuse, parked his vehicle in the parking lot and while he was inside the business, his vehicle rolled out into the road hitting the Pike vehicle. Damage up to $2,500.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accidents:

10:38 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, North Detroit Street, Warsaw. Driver: James B. Wallen, 23, South Paxton Drive, Warsaw. Wallen’s struck a parked vehicle while parking his vehicle at McDonald’s. The parked vehicle is registered to Shelia R. Walling. Damage up to $1,000.

6:36 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, West Lake Street, west of Meadow Lark Boulevard, Warsaw. Driver: Heather Scutchfield, 37, North Hartzler Street, Warsaw. Injured: William Degaetano, 83, Circle Drive, Warsaw. Degaetano went to Kosciusko Community Hospital for an evaluation and was found to have suffered a broken finger. Scutchfield stated she saw an elderly man walk into the roadway off the curb and stick his hand out, she attempted to avoid collision with the man but the passenger side mirror struck his right hand. Damage under $750.

5:29 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, North Parker Street, Warsaw. Driver: Kelly L. Crist, 34, West CR 700N, Leesburg. Crist backed her vehicle from a parking space, hitting a parked vehicle registered to Rachel Howard, North Crete Drive, Warsaw. Damage up to $1,000.

2:25 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, East Main Street and North Detroit Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Lanny D. Gillman, 67, South CR 1200W, Akron, and Anthony D. Weaver, 40, East Fort Wayne Street, Warsaw. Gillman attempted to stop his vehicle at the traffic light, but it slid on the water covered road, hitting the Weaver vehicle, which was turning left onto Detroit Street. Damage up to $5,000.

Kosciusko

Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department investigated the following incidents:

• 2:40 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, 9200 block North CR 1000W, Nappanee. Ray A. Mast reported the family has not had contact with their son for a couple months.
• 11:24 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, 200 block West Main Street, Warsaw. Mark G. Sanders reported he struck a deer on US 31, near US 6 while traveling to the Warsaw area.
• 8:53 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, 800 block North Old SR 15, Milford. Officials with Bison Coach LLC reported 14 camper trailers damaged and several television sets taken. Value: $1,300.
• 7 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, 2300 block North Rainbow Drive, Warsaw. Patrick Industries Premier Concepts officials reported an attempted break in to the business.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following incidents:

• 11:32 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, 3100 block Frontage Road, Warsaw. Warsaw Fire Department responded to a report of a dryer fire at Valley Forge Apartments, which was discovered to be an arson. Three clothes dryers were damaged. Value: $1,000.
• 5:29 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, 3600 block Commerce Drive, Warsaw. Officials at Big R reported the theft of power and hand tools, Under Armour fleece pants, Under Armour back pack. Value: $79.97.

Kosciusko

The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

Dec. 24

• Daniel Nathan Newlin, 33, 3123 Farmer Drive, Highland, arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Bond: $700 cash.

Dec. 23

• Christopher Ryan Longenbaugh, 33, 300 N. Main St., Syracuse, arrested for OWI. Bond: $700 cash.

WARSAW — Warsaw Police along with the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory are investigating a fire at Valley Forge Laundromat. According to a police report filed Wednesday evening, Dec. 23, the cause of that fire is being investigated as possibly arson.

The fire call was received at approximately 7:54 p.m. Wednesday evening. Firefighters were still at the scene of a house fire on Lincoln Street, and requested Winona Lake Fire Department assistance.

Warsaw/Wayne Township Fire Capt. Brooke Murphy reports when the first fire crew arrived the laundromat, 3100 Frontage Road, Warsaw, had extreme heavy smoke, resulting in zero visibility. In a very quick time, the fire was located and extinguished by firefighters. Firefighters found the fire to be in a dryer full of clothes.

Three clothes dryers were damaged with smoke and a little water damage to the building.

“Winona Lake was instrumental in helping us,” said Murphy.

“Santa” and his elves, (from left) Madison O’Connell, Triton High School, and Tyleana Hoffer, Tippecanoe Valley High School,

There is still plenty of time for readers of Ink Free News to submit their favorite Christmas photos, current or past. Readers can send photos up until 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 26.

We are looking for those funny, sweet, and certainly memorable photos dealing with Christmas. These photos can include, photos with Santa, catching Santa delivering presents, a child’s or adult’s expression opening Christmas gifts, making delicious Christmas cookies and treats, or even your pets getting into Christmas mischief.  These could also be favorite Christmas memories shared with those who are no longer with us.

Whatever photo you have relating to Christmas, share it with us and we will include it in a video. Anything goes, as long as it is Christmas related.

Help us share the Christmas/Holiday season with your memories.

Those memories can be emailed to deb.patterson@inkfreenews.com. Remember the photos must be received no later than 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 26.

Randy K. Cumberland Sr., 73 of Warsaw, passed away at 3:35 pm Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015 in Grace Village Healthcare Center, Winona Lake.

On April 27, 1942, he was born in Rochester, to Norman and Ruby (Keesey) Cumberland. He was united in marriage to Mary Lauth in Rochester on Oct. 17, 1968, who survives.

He served our country in the U.S. Air Force for 14 years. Randy was owner of Cumberland Hardware Store, Warsaw and also Cumberland Milk By-Products Company, Akron. He also worked for Chore Time Brock Company, Milford and Royal Crown Limited, Milford.

Randy was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warsaw. He was a hard worker who loved spending time with his family and providing for them. He also loved working on the farm and caring for animals. He loved fishing and shooting guns in his spare time.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Clare Cumberland, Warsaw; six children: Jeffrey D. Cumberland, Elkhart; Randy K. Cumberland Jr., Dallas, Texas; Brian (and spouse Kalynn) Cumberland, Warsaw; Kerrie I. Thacker and her fiancé Jim Rackley, Leesburg; Jennie A, (and spouse Blaine) Conley, Claypool; and Josh D. (and spouse Katie) Cumberland, North Manchester. He was also survived by 14 grandchildren, Chad, Madisen, Danielle, Gavin, Nolan, Allison (and spouse Brandon), Alex, Brooklyn, Breelyn, Kaitlyn, Isaiah, Jayla, Olivia and Sophie; three great-grandchildren, Mia, Addysin and Bensyn; and his sister, Kathy (and spouse Bill) Hartzler, Rochester.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec.r 31, 2015 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warsaw with Father Phil DeVolder officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw with military honors provided by American Legion Post No. 49 and VFW Post No. 1126, Warsaw.

Visitation hours will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. A Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evening.

The family requests memorial contributions may be made to Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County, 3489 East 100 South, Pierceton, IN 46562 or to KABS, 1804 East Winona Avenue, Warsaw, IN 46580.

To sign the guestbook or send condolences electronically, go to mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com

Nina L. Jacobs, 85, of North Webster, passed away on Friday, Dec. 25, 2015, at her home.

Arrangements are pending at Owen Family Funeral Home, SR 13 and CR 500N, North Webster.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accident:

2:31 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, Frontage Road and Access Road, Warsaw. Drivers: Elizabeth M. Malloy, 73, Crestlane Drive, Warsaw, and Justin T. Gray, 20, East Center Street, Warsaw. Malloy’s vehicle of cross traffic was blocked by a truck, thought the way was clear and pulled into the intersection hitting the Gray vehicle. Damage up to $25,000.

Joshua Thomas Hensley

WARSAW — A suspect has been arrested by Warsaw Police in connection to two suspicious fires at Valley Forge Apartments, 3100 Frontage Road, Warsaw. Two fires at the complex were reported within less than 24 hours.

Joshua Thomas Hensley, 19, 2100 Frontage Road, Warsaw, was arrested at 3:43 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, by Warsaw Officer L. W. Fuller, on a preliminary charge of arson.

Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory was first called Wednesday evening at approximately 7:54 p.m. to smoke in the laundromat of the apartment complex. When the first firefighters arrived extreme heavy smoke, resulting in zero visibility was discovered. Firefighters quickly located the fire in one of the dryers and it extinguished. The dryer was full of clothes.

According to a police report evidence was found the fire was arson and witnesses gave police Hensley’s name as a suspect.

Hensley was also named a suspect in a second fire, reported at 1:51 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24. This time a resident reported a fire in a dumpster.

Hensley is being held on a $15,000 surety and $250 cash bond in the Kosciusko County Jail.

WARSAW — A bad blower fan on an air handling unit set off an alarm and sent Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory to North Pointe Cinemas, 1060 Mariners Drive, on Christmas Day, disrupting the enjoyment of hundreds of movie goers. The alarm was received at 7:05 p.m. The theatre reportedly had a full house.

The cinema was showing “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Daddy’s Home,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip,” “Joy,” “Sisters,” “Concussion” and “Point Break.”

WWFT Fire Chief Mike Wilson stated the automatic fire alarm was activated and reset by the manager, however, fire crews were already en route. Firefighters, upon speaking to the manager, learned there was smoke in the projection room, which encompasses the entire length of the building. Firefighters activated the manual fire alarm and evacuated the theatre.

A search by firefighters found small fire had damaged a heating unit on the roof, causing smoke to enter the building. A bad blower fan was found to be the culprit. Once firefighters determined the building was safe, the patrons were allowed to re-enter the building and continue their movie enjoyment.

Assistance was requested from Winona Lake Fire Department.

Milford

Officers with Milford Police Department investigated the following incident:

• 9:55 a.m. Friday, Dec. 25, 200 block West Section Street, Milford. Charles R. Bird and Madilynn K. Anderson reported criminal mischief to their vehicles.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following incidents:

• 11:18 a.m. Friday, Dec. 25, 1200 block East Main Street, Warsaw. A driver’s license was found in the area of Lincoln Elementary.
• 10:16 a.m. Friday, Dec. 25, 900 block Anchorage Road, Warsw. Ashley N. Schneider reported the rear tires on her vehicle were slashed.
• 9:25 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, 300 block Enterprise Drive, Warsaw. A handgun was found and turned over to police.
• 9:24 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, police were called to the 500 block of West Pike Street, Warsaw, to investigate an individual threatening to harm himself.
• 1:51 p.m. Thursday Dec. 24, 3100 block Frontage Road, Warsaw. Police were called to investigate a suspicious dumpster fire at Valley Forge Apartments.

Kosciusko

The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

Dec. 24

• Joshua Thomas Hensley, 19, 3100 Frontage Road, Warsaw, arrested for arson. Bond: $15,000 surety, $250 cash.
• Dennis Paul Steele, 24, 16778 CR 87, Cecil, Ohio, arrested for failure to appear. Bond: $15,000 surety.

Kendall Cole Mast, 55, of Goshen, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, at I.U. Health Goshen Hospital.

He was born April 26, 1960, in Goshen to Leon L. and Ruthie (Cole) Mast.

He is survived by his wife: Sabina Mast of Goshen; a son: Branden Mast of Waterloo, Iowa and a brother: Randy (Vicki) Mast of North Webster.

Mast graduated from Goshen High School in 1978 and had worked for General Construction Company with his father.

Cremation will take place at Yoder-Culp Crematory.

No services are currently planned.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, Harold Lehman, 91, was a humble and generous man whose family was his greatest source of pride and joy. He was no stranger to hard work from his earliest years, yet he also took the time to enjoy each moment he was given. Harold was a loving and devoted father who was thrilled beyond measure to witness his family tree blossom to include the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren he adored. A longtime resident of the community he loved, he was the sort of person whom everyone seemed to know. Life will never be the same without Harold here, but his timeless legacy that is deeply rooted in compassion, selfless generosity, and unending service to others will be carried on by those who follow in his footsteps.

It seems only fitting that Harold’s journey began during a time that was as vibrant as he was. It was the 1920s when jazz music was hot, the Charleston was among the latest dance crazes, and Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb made baseball America’s favorite pastime. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1924 when Chris H. and Dorothy B. (Ringler) Lehman were delighted to announce the birth of the baby boy they named Harold R. on April 30, 1924, in Milford. Raised in Kimmell, he was one of 12 children as he was joined in his family by his brothers, Charles, Jack, Ralph, Larry, and Kenneth, and his sisters, Marjorie, Betty, Ruth, Dorothy, Mary, and Linda.

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Harold stayed with his grandparents at the Lehman farm where he helped milk cows and pick onions. Before he was even a teen, Harold knew the value of hard work as he worked for 10 cents an hour putting in 10 hour days to earn a dollar a day. As a student he attended both Kimmell and Cromwell High School. In 1941, Harold made his move to live in Whitley County.

With a desire to serve his country, Harold lied about his age while still in high school so that he was able to enlist in the United States Army. In 1943, he left for the Europe Theater and went to France with the 100th Division and saw active combat. In 1945, Harold then went to Mannheim, Germany, and in 1947 he transferred to Stuttgart, Germany.

It was while in Stuttgart that he met the young woman who would change the course of his life forever. Her name was Lucienne Eichberger, and she was from France although she had moved to Germany with her family. They fell in love, and on April 19, 1947, they were married in Germany. The following year, they moved back to the United States and Harold enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves, serving until 1961. In 1963, he enlisted in the 122nd Air National Guard at Baer Field in Fort Wayne and served there until he retired as a Chief Master Sergeant in 1984. Throughout his military career, Harold was awarded several military awards including the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Army, American Campaign Medal, Europe-African Middle Eastern CPN Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army-Occupation Medal and USAF NCO Academy Graduate Ribbon.

In addition to having a full-time military career, Harold worked at Buchanan Ford in Columbia City from 1960 through 1961 when he was offered a job in Indianapolis. He then moved his family down to Indianapolis where he worked at Indiana Gear Works. By 1963, Harold had moved his family back to Columbia City where he worked as the service and parts manager at Whitley County Rambler Sales. From there he joined Dana in Fort Wayne in 1965, and from 1966 through 1967, Harold worked as a final gear tester and line set up man. From 1967 to 1969, he owned and operated Lehman’s Gulf Service Station. By 1969, Harold advanced in the Indiana Air National Guard to Egress Systems and Weapons Release Mechanic on the RF84s-F84s. In 1977, he was named a supervisor Weapons Munitions Section Branch with the F-100s.

Throughout his rich and rewarding life, Harold was a man of many interests. He delighted in his family including his wife, five children: Harold C., Gloria L., Charles E., Martha, and Josephine; 17 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. A proud American himself, it made Harold equally proud that both of his sons and one grandson also served in the military, making three generations that served our country. He was a great story teller and loved talking history as well as a handyman and gifted mechanic. Harold loved hunting and fishing and was a member of the American Legion, Indiana Sheriffs Association, Eagles Air Force Sergeant Association, Masonic Lodge, Shriners, and the Scottish Rite.

Later in life, Harold experienced both peaks and valleys along his life’s journey. Life would forever change for Harold with the loss of his wife Lucienne. On July 31, 2007, she would passed away after an extended illness. Life would continue to change for Harold and on Feb. 21, 2010, he married Mary Lou Pittenger. For the past two years, Harold had been living at Oak Point Independent Living where he enjoyed being social and active, regularly driving himself around and visiting with people out in the community.

Hardworking, disciplined, and organized, Harold Lehman was an extraordinary man to know and love. He deeply loved his children and was so proud of them, and his heart was as big as they come. Someone who was generous and kind, Harold was known for helping out anyone in need no matter the circumstances involved. He will never be forgotten.

Chief Master Sgt. Harold R. Lehman, U.S.A.F. Retired, of Columbia City, died at 7:57 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015, at Parkview Whitley Hospital.

Survivors include his children: Harold C. (Sharon) Lehman of Pierceton, Gloria L. (Ron) Drudge of Fort Wayne, Charles E. (Linda) Lehman of Churubusco, Martha (Jim) Acres of Columbia City, and Josephine A. (Brian) Sherman of Waynetown; brother: Kenneth (Elsie) Lehman of Columbia City; sisters: Dorothy Smith of Columbia City, Mary (Esta) Martz of Ocala, Florida, and Linda (Gary) Craig of Fort Wayne; 17 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and wife, Mary Lou Lehman.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Lucienne Lehman; brothers: Charles, Jack, Ralph and Larry Lehman; sisters: Marjorie Judd, Betty Anderson, and Ruth Trumbull; and two granddaughters: Ann Marie and Christine Lynn Lehman.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with his service to start at 7 p.m. Pastor Steve Johnson will be officiating. Harold will be buried beside his first wife at a later date at Oak Grove (Compton) Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be given in his memory to American Legion Menzie-Reese Post 258 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.