DARWIN E. GRUNAWALT

Darwin E. Grunawalt, 57, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 5:58 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2012 at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City. He was born on September 7, 1954 in Garrett, IN the son of Otis and Lessie (Hall) Grunawalt.

A lifetime Columbia City resident, he attended Columbia City Joint High School. He retired this year, after 25 years of service, with Dana Weatherhead Corporation, Syracuse. On May 24, 2003 he married Dawn E. Palmer in Columbia City. Darwin enjoyed working with wood, playing darts, watching the Chicago Bears, riding his Harley Davidson, spending time outdoors and cheering for NASCAR race car driver, Ryan Newman.

He is survived by his wife, Dawn E. Grunawalt, Columbia City; 1 son, Travis E. Grunawalt, Columbia City; 1 brother, Robert Grunawalt, Cincinnati, OH; 2 stepsons, Rick Foreman, Wyoming and Dustin Foreman, Columbia City; 1 stepdaughter, Nicki Baker, Columbia City; and 9 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held from 5-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with Sharon Brockhaus, Certified Funeral Celebrant, officiating. Burial will be Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Nolt Cemetery, Columbia City. Darwin chose to help others through tissue and organ donation. Memorial bequests may be given in Mr. Grunawalt's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences.