COLUMBIA CITY – Bennett “Ben” L. Warner, 85, South Whitley, died at 6:09 a.m. Nov. 24, 2013, in Parkview Whitley Hospital Emergency Room where he was brought earlier. He was born Sept. 29, 1928, in Kosciusko County, to Delbert R. and Jessie A. Reed Warner. On April 10, 1951, at Fort Belvoir Army base outside Washington, D.C., he was united in marriage to his wife of 62 years, Mabel J. Joy, who survives. His formative years were spent in eastern Kosciusko County. He attended Sidney High School. On Jan. 2, 1951, he entered the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. He attained the rank of Sergeant First Class and was honorably discharged Oct. 2, 1952. After his return from the Army, the couple made their home on a farm in rural South Whitley. In 1962, they moved to South Whitley. From 1994 to present, they spent the winter months in Frostproof, Fla. A career truck driver, he started with Metzger Trucking, Silver Lake. After his military service, he was employed by South Whitley Trucking for 33 years until the company closed in 1984. He then served as a custodian for Whitko Schools until 1991. He was a member of Eel River Community Church of the Brethren. He currently was attending Collamer Christian Church. Also surviving are four children: Jerry (and spouse Sheryl) Warner, Westfield; Thomas Warner, Jane (and spouse Charles) Trump and David (and spouse Tonya) Warner, all of South Whitley; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Jimmie (and spouse Bonnie) Warner, Columbia City; and three sisters: Bonnie Ross, South Whitley; Rosalie Hossler, Fort Wayne; and Charlene (and spouse Lionel) Ussery, Swayzee. He was preceded in death by a sister, Norma J. Arnold, and a daughter-in-law, Lu Ann Warner. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley, with Pastor David Wagner officiating. Burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery with military honors. Calling will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials to the South Whitley Food Bank or Collamer Christian Church. Condolences may be sent via www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
