ORVAL R. FISHER

Orval Ray Fisher, age 92, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 7:50 a.m. Sunday, December 11, 2011 at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.Born May 8, 1919 in Thorncreek Township, Whitley County, he was the son of Francis Warner and Lillian L. (Keirn) Fisher.

Orval spent his entire lifetime in the Columbia City area where he graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1939.After graduation, he proudly served in the United States Army during World War II.His first marriage was to Vida Irene Kreider on February 17, 1946.His second marriage was to Etta Pauline Dimmick on July 11, 1971 at the Columbia City United Methodist Church.As a teenager, he worked at Columbia Drug Store, Columbia City.On New Year's Eve, in 1940, he opened the Happy Valley Skating Rink, Columbia City, which he owned and operated for 40 years, retiring in 1980.He then worked for several years for Drudge Industries, Warsaw.He attended the Columbia City United Methodist Church and he was a lifetime member of Columbia City American Legion Post #98. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, E. Pauline Fisher of Columbia City; 2 sons, Larry Orval (Cindy) Fisher of Leo and Richard S.(Arlene) Fisher of Buena Vista, CO; 1 daughter, Beth E. Fisher, Fort Wayne; 1 step son, Steve (Carol) Dimmick of Columbia City; 1 sister, Lucille Rondot of Fort Wayne; 6 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren; 6 step great grandchildren; 2 step great great grandchildren.In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by brothers, Marion, Donald, Earl, Clifford "Bosco" and LeRoy Fisher; and sisters, Rosella Smethers and Edith Boggs.

Visitation will be held Sunday, December 18, 2011 from 2-6 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 19, 2011 at the funeral home with Pastor David Arnold of Columbia City United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery, Columbia City.Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Fisher's memory to Columbia City United Methodist Church Building Fund.Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.