DONALD E. KEIRN

Donald E. Keirn, age 84, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 12:00 a.m. Monday, October 22, 2012 at Miller's Merry Manor, Columbia City. Born June 17, 1928 in Columbia City, he was the son of Esta and Rhea (Workman) Keirn.

Mr. Keirn spent his entire lifetime in Columbia City, graduating from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1946.On March 4, 1961 he married Mary Wilder in Fort Wayne.He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. For 20 years he was employed at Dana Corporation, Fort Wayne. He then founded Keirn Enterprises and became owner and manager of Village Cleaning Center, Clean Quick Car Wash and Downtown Coin Laundry, retiring from Keirn Enterprises in 2002.Don formerly attended Grace Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his two daughters, Kandy Schwandt of Bloomington and Kris (Bruce) Barone of Syracuse; and two grandchildren, Pauline Quinn and Jacob Keirn both of Fort Wayne and 1 great granddaughter, Amelia Zeimet of Fort Wayne. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Mary Keirn and son, Donald Nichols Keirn and sister, Lois Gregg.

Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Public graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 25, 2012, at South Park Annex Cemetery, SR 205 S, Columbia City. Pastor David Herr of the Calvary United Methodist Church, Syracuse will be officiating. Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Keirn's memory to the Whitley County Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.