EDGAR J. STROUSE, JR.

Edgar "Bud" J. Strouse, Jr., age 81, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 8:25 a.m. February 1, 2009 at the Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. Bud was born on June 17, 1927 in Fort Wayne, IN, the son of Edgar J. and Mary Hunter (Foust) Strouse, Sr.He graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1945 and immediately entered the United States Air Force serving on Johnson Island in the South Pacific. He was recalled during the Korean War and was stationed at Rapid City Air Force Base in South Dakota.When he returned to Columbia City he joined his father and uncle, Abraham K. Strouse in M. Strouse Sons, a menswear store, started by his grandfather, Moses Strouse in 1887. The store name was changed to Strouses and Bud became the sole proprietor in 1974.On May 30, 1954 he married Mary Louise Amans at Grace Lutheran Church, Columbia City by Pastor Graham L. Kleespie, and they have two children, a daughter Leigh Ellen (Mark) Caldwell of Irvine, CA and a son Brian Hunter Strouse of Columbia City who survives. He also is survived by his sister, Joan Shropshire of Indianapolis, IN and two nieces, Anne Shropshire of Chicago, IL and Linda (Dan) Ennis of Indianapolis, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Carolyn Strouse.Bud was a past exalted ruler of the Columbia City Elks Lodge, past president of Old Settlers Association in 1969, continuing as the organizations treasurer for 20 years, retiring in 1989, Executive Council of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters and was instrumental in establishing the Columbia City Downtown Business Association. He was an American Cancer Society volunteer serving as treasurer and memorial chairman of the local chapter and handling their Daffodil Days sale for many years. At age fifty he became an enthusiastic runner, starting with 5K and 10K races and working up to mini-marathons, marathons and triathlons. Shorty after retiring in 1993 he took great delight in their rescued greyhound named Abby. For years he and Abby were a common sight in and around Columbia City on their twice-daily walks. Abbys ashes will be buried with Bud. There will be calling at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 7, 2009. Then at 3:00 p.m. instead of a formal service, his family hopes that his friends and acquaintances will gather for an open conversation, sharing their memories of Bud. For those who wish, a remembrance to the Humane Society of Whitley County or the Peabody Library would be appreciated since both organizations were important to him. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.