EDWIN J. BEAR

Edwin J. Bear, age 90, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 5:11 p.m. Saturday, August 4, 2012 at his residence.Born June 1, 1922 in Eel River Twp., Allen County, IN, he was the son of Cassius Elmer and Cecil Lucille (Grayless) Bear.

He graduated from Huntertown High School with the Class of 1940. After graduation, he served with the United States Navy during WWII and was honorably discharged in 1946.On July 31, 1946 he married Phyllis Ilene Walker at Coesse United Methodist Church. He lived in Allen County until 1951 when he and his wife moved to Coesse.He assisted on his family farm; worked at Wayne Pump, Fort Wayne; and worked as a construction worker from 1954-1979. Since 1979, he owned and operated Bear Acoustic, Inc., Columbia City, with his two sons. He is a member of the Coesse United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Phyllis Ilene Bear of Columbia City; 2 sons, Dennis G. (Sharon) Bear and James R. (Debra) Bear both of Columbia City; 4 grandchildren, Erin R. (Todd) Cook, Elizabeth A.(Jason) Fryback, Christopher A.(Katherine) Bear and Jared L. Bear all of Columbia City; 2 great granddaughters, Madilyn and Makenna Cook.He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Eldon Bear, sister, Maurine Witham and infant sister, Lois Louise Bear.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 8, 2012 from 11 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at the funeral home with Sharon Brockhaus, Certified Funeral Celebrant, officiating. Burial will follow at Eel River Cemetery, Churubusco. Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Bear's memory to Coesse United Methodist Church.Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.