John Benjamin "Bennie" Herr, Jr.

John Benjamin Bennie Herr, Jr. age 97, of Columbia City,IN left for his heavenly home, surrounded by his loving family and caregivers at 7:42 a.m. on Saturday December 6, 2014 at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.Born on April 17, 1917 in Whitley County he was the son of John Benjamin and Ada Florence (Trimmer) Herr, Sr.

He was a lifelong Whitley County resident and was the first in his family to graduate from high school in Columbia City with the Class of 1935.After graduation Bennie worked with his dad on his cream route for the Farm Bureau Co-op, then in 1937 began working full time until his retirement on June 30, 1982 after 45 years of service in various positions.Bennie proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII.While serving in France, Bennie was injured by flying shrapnel and needed to go to the first aid station with othersfor help.A short time later the aid station was captured by German soldiers, taking them as prisioners of war.He was held prisioner for 10 months until VE day May 8, 1945, when the war was over.He was headed home.Bennie was awarded the Purple Heartand European African Middle Eastern Theatre Medals.He also received a letter of gratitude from France for serving during the war.Bennie was a member of the Columbia City United Methodist Church, life member of Ex-Prisoners of War American and Old Fort Chapters, and the Mens Bible Study at Etna United Methodist Church.After retirement Bennie often drovethe Whitley County Senior Citizen Van transporting others.In his free time he also enjoyed backyard bird watching.

Bennie is survived by his children Mary Patricia (Don) Chenoweth of Harrisburg,IL, David (Anita) Herr of Roanoke, Rebecca (Jim) Benson of New Albany,IN, and Daniel Herr of Fort Wayne; 4 grandchildren Jennifer Riddle, Mike (Kim)Vogely, Melissa (Mike)Swaidner, and Bethany (Marcus) Mullins; several great grandchildren; a sister Fern Heidenrich of Fort Myers, FL; several nieces and nephews, including a special niece Carolyn Hile.He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Rev. Berneice Herr, and 7 sisters.

Visitation will be Wednesday December 10, 2014 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.Funeral services for Bennie will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday December 11, 2014 at Columbia City United Methodist Church.Burial will follow in the Eel River Presbyterian Cemetery, Columbia City, with Military Honors rendered by the Whitley County Korean War Veterans.Memorial contributions in memory of Bennie may be made to the Whitley County Helpline or to Columbia City UMC.The family wishes to express their thanks to the caregivers who were a large part of Bennies life and also to the VA Northern Indiana Healthcare System and VA Home Care.Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or to sign the guest register book.