J. RICHARD "DICK" CIRA

J. Richard Dick Cira, 83, of Columbia City, IN passed away at his residence with his loving family surrounding him at 4:35 p.m. Saturday, August 17, 2013. He was born on January 8, 1930 in South Bend, IN, the son of Don L. and Alice Marie (Hickling) Cira.

He was raised in South Bend and graduated from South Bend Riley High School with the Class of 1948. He then graduated from Hanover College, Hanover, IN with a BS in Education and received his Masters at Ball State and St. Francis Universities in Guidance and Administration.He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War from 1951-1954. He married Eileen E. Stephens on December 14, 1956 in New Carlisle. Dick worked at RCA in Indianapolis and then for Tyler Refrigeration, Niles, MI before he started his career in teaching. He taught in Mooresville, Columbia City High School, where he coachedfootball, Fort Wayne Community Schools and lastly retired as Principal at Coesse Elementary. After his retirement he owned and operated Ciras Sport World in Columbia City and worked many years as an associate and delivery person for NAPA, Columbia City.His memberships include Columbia City United Methodist Church, Beta Theta Pi Fraternity and Varsity H Club both at Hanover College, Columbia City Kiwanis Club and Columbia City American Legion Post #98.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Eileen Cira, Columbia City; 3 children, Tamera S. (Mark) Parker and Jodie Lynn (Craig) Asplund both of Columbia City and Michael R. (Laura) Cira, Granger;7 grandchildren, Adam (Kim) Parker,Aaron (Meghan) Parker,Andrew Parker,Alex Parker, Dayne Asplund,Jacob and Jordan Cira; 3 great grandchildren, Allison, Madison and Hayden Parker.He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 21, 2013 with Pastor David Arnold and Kent Lundy officiating. Committal services and graveside military rites will be conducted by the Korean War Veterans Honor Guard at South Park Annex Cemetery. Memorial bequest may be given in Mr. Ciras memory toColumbia City United Methodist Church Youth and Bus Ministry.