Edward “Ed” L. Barrus, of Leesburg, passed away on Friday, June 21, 2024, at the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System in Fort Wayne at the age of 96.
He was born on Feb. 12, 1928, in Wabash, to Bessie Mae Brown Barrus Gruwell and James Irwin Barrus; stepparents, Pauline and Frank Stone. Ed spent his childhood years in Wabash and North Manchester, where his stepparents had a bakery. His early years were spent working as an employee for Burns Bakery in North Manchester. On Dec. 18, 1949, Ed married the LOVE of his life, Karolyn A. Cook. They were blessed with three children and later enjoyed their new role as grandparents. Ed and Karolyn would have celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in December of this year.
Ed was a proud World War II and Korean War veteran. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on Sept. 25, 1946, in Indianapolis until discharged on Jan. 20, 1948. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal – Japan. He re-enlisted again on Oct. 16, 1950, and served during the Korean War and was awarded the Korean Service Medal with three bronze campaign stars, the Silver Star and the Purple Heart for wounds received in action in Korea on June 4, 1951. Ed was also awarded the Wharang Distinguished Military Service Medal for gallantry in action against an armed enemy in Korea. He proudly served until his honorable discharge on Sept. 2, 1951. He also served in the Army National Guard from March 8, 1954 – June 25, 1955, and never forgot the many memories and friends he made with his fellow service members.
After returning home, Ed worked for many years as a brakeman/conductor with C & O Railroad in Grand Rapids, Mich. He was a life-time hard-working man who always kept busy even after retirement. He enjoyed worshipping his Lord alongside his family at Pleasant View Bible Church in Warsaw. Most of all he dearly loved his family, and will forever be remembered as a wonderful husband, loving father, grandfather, brother and friend to many.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Karolyn A. Barrus, Leesburg; son, DeWayne Edward (Liz) Barrus, La Porte, Texas; and his daughter, Diane Elaine (James) VanHuffel, Laughlin, Nev. Also surviving are three grandchildren: Denise, Larissa and Stephanie; and his sister, Debra (Don) Spivey, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepparents, son, David Barrus; brother and sister, Robert and Suzie.
Ed’s life will be celebrated with a funeral service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 27 at Pleasant View Bible Church, 2782 W. CR 200N, Warsaw, and officiated by Pastor Mike Hontz. Friends and family may visit an hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw with military rites conducted by members of the American Legion Post #49, V.F.W. #1126 and active-duty members of the Army Honor Guard. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.
Memorial donations may be directed to “Kiddie Kollege,” c/o Winona Lake Community Church, 902 College Ave., Winona Lake, IN 46590.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.