Richard Hull

Hard working, always on the go, always there for others when they were in need, Korean War Veteran are just a few ways to describe Richard Hull. He had a heart of gold, he never knew a stranger, and he worked two jobs most of the time to provide for his family. Everyone who knew and loved him are left with many great memories from such a great man.

With the stock market crash in October of 1929, many of the American citizens were left with life changing events as the country entered into the Great Depression. President Franklin D. Roosevelt pledged to use the power of our government to make Americans lives better, but there were many things going on in the 30's like the end of prohibition, the discovery of Pluto, air mail service across the Atlantic Ocean began, and the invention of 3M's Scotch Tape were just a few things. Nothing was more exciting than the news on November 3, 1931 for Joseph and Flora (Doonan) Hull as they made the announcement that Richard D. was born at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was one of eight children born, with two infant sisters passing.

His childhood started in the small community of Collins and the family would move to Churubusco. At an early age, Dick learned the value of hard work as he picked onions in the field as a kid. For his efforts, he received 5 cents a basket. Dick's older sister lived in Larwill, but that did not stop him from seeing her and spending time with her. He would often ride his bike from Churubusco to her house. After graduating from Churubusco High School in 1949, Dick served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

After receiving an honorable discharge, he worked at General Electric in Fort Wayne. He would go on to work for over 30 years for Dana Weatherhead in Columbia City, retiring in 1995. Being a hard worker, during these times it was not uncommon for him to hold two jobs at a time along with owning and operating a Marathon gas station in Columbia City in the early 1960's and was one of the founders of Columbia City Insulating. After retirement, he worked at Bart's Car Store and Columbia City's Super Wash.

While working at Dana, Dick would meet Lana Hendry, and the couple would remain together for over the next 30 years. In his spare time, he was a serious card player. He was good at paying attention to the cards that were dealt and played and it was not uncommon for him to walk away with some of his friends or even family members' cash! He also was an avid car and Ford guy. He loved traveling around to the car shows and also collecting anything car related plus a few vintage collector cars. He was a member of Cruisin' Hoosiers, Route 30 Cruisers, Street Rod Nationals, Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum. He also held memberships with the American Legion and VFW and was a past member of the Elks and Eagles.

On the evening of Monday, March 5, 2018, Dick passed away at 10:40 p.m. at Miller's at Oak Pointe. Survivors include his companion, Lana Hendry, of Columbia City; children, Terry (Joyce) Hull and Jeff Hull, both of Columbia City, Troy (Sylvia) Shifflett, of Columbia City and Michelle Hendry, of Mishawaka; sister, Helen Kreider, of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Shelby (Emily) Hull, Jacob Hull, Jordan Hull, Jaylen Hull, Zack (Erica) Shifflett, Jade (Savannah) Hendry and Kayla Hendry; and great-granddaughters, Lillie Hendry and Madelyn Shifflett. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter; brothers, Gale, Dale and Howard Hull; sisters, Mary Craig, Eloise Souder and two infant sisters; and former wife, Eva (Hamman) Hull.

Visitation is 2-8 p.m. Friday, March 9, 2018 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Certified Funeral Celebrant Sharon Brockhaus officiating. Burial will follow at Eel River Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the American Lung Association or Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences online.