ROBERT E. BRITTAIN

Robert E. Brittain, age 64, of Columbia City, IN was found passed away at 3:44 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at his residence. Born on September 27, 1945 in Columbia City, he was the son of Ernest and Velma E. (Paulus) Brittain. He has spent his entire lifetime in the Columbia City area graduating from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1964. He earned a Bachelors Degree in English from Indiana University with the Class of 1968 and a Masters Degree from Indiana University in 1971. Mr. Brittain has spent his career teaching English and as a Speech and Debate coach at Columbia City High School since 1968, retiring in 2004. He coached 4 State Debate Championship teams. He continued a very close professional relationship with the high school, fellow teachers and his beloved students.Mr. Brittain's memberships included, Blue River Community Church, where he faithfully served on the Board of Elders at the church, National Council of Teachers of English, Past President of Columbia City Kiwanis Club, a member of local, state and national Teachers Association and Indiana University Alumni, National Forensic League both the State and National Chapters, Peabody Library Board of Directors and the Landscape Committee of the Library, Whitley County Literacy Council Board of Directors, Bowen Center for Human Services Board of Directors, Columbia City High School Alumni Association President, in 1993 he received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award and others too numerous to mention over the years. Survivors include his brother, Richard D. (Anna) Brittain of Powell, OH. He is preceded in death by his parents and 1 aunt, Edna Vance. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 23, 2010 from 4-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the funeral home with Pastor Brett Sauder of the Blue River Community Church officiating. Mr. Brittain will be sadly laid to rest beside his beloved parents at Blue River Cemetery, Columbia City. At the request of the family and in lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Brittain to Blue River Community Church, Whitley County Community Foundation, Columbia City High School Speech and Debate Department or the Columbia City High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. 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.