HOWARD S. STRADER

Howard S. Strader, age 82, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away at 5:58 a.m. Thursday, December 29, 2011 at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. Born October 13, 1929 in Akron, OH, he was the son of William and Mildred (McPhillen) Strader.

He was a resident of Allen County until moving to Whitley County in 1951.He attended St. Joe Township Schools, Allen County. He served in the United States Air Force.On May 5, 1951, he married Carole R. Mansdorfer at Aboite Christian Church.For 28 years, he worked for American Hoist in Fort Wayne. He also worked for the Whitley County Sheriff's Department for 8 years retiring in 1994.He formerly attended Dunfee Missionary Church, Dunfee, and was a former member of the American Legion in Fort Wayne.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Carole R. Strader of Fort Wayne; 3 daughters, Connie S. (Ernie) Coy of Leesburg, Rita M. (Rollie) Strahm, Angola and Joyce S. (Greg) Pierce of Fort Wayne; 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Stanley H. Strader; brothers, Dwight L., William D. and Edward L. Strader, his twin brother; infant sister and 1 granddaughter, Amanda Pierce.

Visitation is 2-8:00 p.m. Monday, January 2, 2012 and 10-11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at the funeral home with Pastor Jerry Blanchard officiating. Burial will follow with Military Graveside Honors at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne.Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Strader to the Alzheimer's Association or Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.