Paul H. Hile

Paul H. Hile, age 75, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 10:01 am on Friday February 16, 2024, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.  Born on September 15, 1948, in Noble County, he was the son of Harvey and Luella (Smith) Hile.

Paul attended Wolf Lake High School and graduated with the Class of 1967.  On August 4, 1968, he married Bonnie J. Murphy.  She preceded him in 2018.  Paul proudly served his country in the United States Army. He received his Journeyman training and worked for Dana Weatherhead, Columbia City for 30 years until his retirement in 1997.  He then worked at Kilgore Manufacturing from 1998 -2009, in addition to operating Hiles Welding and Repair from his home. On November 24, 2019, he married Ruth Lucas, who survives.

Paul was a former member of Big Lake Church of God and was currently attending Columbia City Church of the Nazarene.  He was a volunteer for the Wolf Lake Fire Department for over 25 years.

Paul enjoyed operating ultralight airplanes, which later transitioned to model airplanes. He also enjoyed steam engines and tractor pulls. He was very self sufficient and adamant in finishing any project he started, whether it was painting, upholstery, framework, or general welding.  Paul was always more than willing to drop what he was doing to help someone in need as well.  He also started a fish frying service with friends.  Later in life, he began restoring clocks in his free time.  Paul enjoyed spending his Thursday nights eating supper with family and friends.  He never missed an event for kids, grandkids, or great-grandkids.

Survivors include his wife Ruth Hile of Columbia City; children Mark Hile and Jennifer (Ken) Button, both of Columbia City; grandchildren, Chasity (Toby) Fralick, Avery (Quentin Furney) Hile, Courtney (Ethan) Grubbs, Emilee Button, Bryana Button and Aubrey Hile; and two great-granddaughters, Hadley and Emery Fralick; sister Muriel (Ron) McNeal of Fort Wayne.  He was preceded in death by his parents, son Paul W. Hile, and first wife Bonnie J. Hile.

Visitation will be held on Thursday February 22, 2024, from 2:00-8:00 pm at DeMoney Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

Funeral services for Paul will be held 10:00 am Friday February 23, 2024, at the funeral home with Pastor Thomas Beers of Columbia City Church of the Nazarene officiating.

Burial will follow in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Paul to Foundation Fighting Blindness.

Visit www.demoneygrimes.com  to send family condolences or to sign the online guest register.