PHIL L GLASSLEY

Phil L Glassley, 93, of Columbia City, IN and formerly of South Whitley, IN, passed away on Friday, March 15, 2013 at The Oaks, Columbia City.Born on August 23, 1919 in South Whitley, IN, he was the son of Russell and Winifred (Shriver) Glassley. He graduated from South Whitley High School in 1937. He married Eulah Mae Hornaday on July 4, 1939. She passed away on April 19, 1973.
On October 13, 1973, he married Peggy L. (Rex) Glassley. They lived in South Whitley until 1980 when they moved to Tri-Lakes. In 1998 they moved to their present home in Columbia City. Peggy passed away December 2, 2012.
Phil was a telegraph operator and freight agent for the Wabash Railroad from 1940-1944, when he entered the Navy. He served in the Navy as a crew chief on DC 3 airplanes in UR3 squadron from 1944-1946.
After leaving the railroad he learned the trade of glass bender. In 1948 he started the South Whitley Neon Sign Company. In 1950 he sold the sign company and bought the Blue Grill Restaurant. In 1952 he sold the restaurant and entered the insurance business, Glassley Insurance Agency. He retired from insurance after more than 30 years.
He was a member of the Columbia City United Methodist Church; past member of the South Whitley-Cleveland Twp. Fire Dept. for 28 years, serving as Fire Chief for 10 years; Masonic Lodge 32nd Degree; and served on many other organizations throughout his life.
Phil loved the lake and every 4th of July, skied around the lake holding a full size American Flag, the last time at age 75.
He was also precede in death by his parents; brother, E. Max Glassley; an infant brother; infant daughter, Marna Lynn Glassley; infant grandson, Craig Allen Glassley; and great-grandson, Brock Robert Shilling.
Surviving are his daughter, Margo (Greg) Goss of South Whitley; son, Mark L. Glassley of Ft. Wayne; step-children, Rebecca Vaughn of Indianapolis, IN, Kathy (David) Reeg of Charleston, SC; and David (Sandy) Rex of Kettering, OH; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 2-8:00 pm on Friday, March 22, 2013 and also from 11-1:00 pm Saturday, March 23, 2013 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the funeral home Rev. Kent Lundy officiating. Burial will follow at South Whitley Cemetery.Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Glassley to Columbia City United Methodist Church Building Fund or South Whitley-Cleveland Twp. Fire Dept.Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.