MICHAEL EUGENE NORTH

Michael Eugene North, age 58, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 8:22 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at his home. Born October 22, 1951 in Columbia City, IN, he was the son of John Gilbert North and Betty Joan (Jones) Alred.From 1970 to 1980, he served in the US Army as an auto diesel rebuilding mechanic spending some of his military service in Vietnam. He received his GED while serving in the military. From 1980 - 1987, he was employed by the I & W Oil Field Trucking Company in New Mexico as a diesel and gas truck mechanic, water and oil transport driver to the oil wells, high pressure pump operator and hot oil truck operator. He started his own business in rebuilding diesel engines and gas engines. In 1987, he returned to Indiana to donate a kidney to his sister, Cathy Parent, which has given her 23 more wonderful years of life. He returned to New Mexico until 1990, when he moved to Indiana for permanent residence. He was employed by Killian's Salvage, Schrader Auto Parts and Auto Zone. While he enjoyed auto and small engine repair, stock car racing, gardening and canning which he shared with everyone, guns and target shooting, his love for his children and grandchildren was more important to him. Survivors include his 2 daughters, Jennifer E. (Dugan) Whisler of Lake Isabella, CA and Lisa D. (Carl) Edmonds of Celina, OH; 1 son, Jonathan Michael North of Columbia City; 2 sisters, Cathy (Ed) Parent and Laura (Linc) Linn both of Columbia City; brother, Steven (Carol) North of Columbia City; mother, Betty Joan (Jones) Alred of North Manchester; 6 grandchildren; step-mother, Bobbie North of Columbia City. He was preceded in death by his father, John Gilbert North and niece, Teresa Parent.Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, April 24, 2010 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service is 2 p.m. Sunday, April 25, 2010 at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home with Pastor John Cummings of Community Bible Church officiating. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery, Columbia City, IN. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. North to Parkview Home Health and Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.Click here to view video tribute**Video may take up to 2 minutes to load.