COLUMBIA CITY – Charles Donald Shively, 89, Wolf Lake, died at 12:18 p.m. May 31, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born March 10, 1927, in Smith Township, Whitley County, a son of Esli and Helen Egolf Shively. On Dec. 13, 1947 he was united in marriage to Lois I. Smith. They were married for over 68 years. He graduated from Churubusco High School in 1945. A United States Army veteran, he entered the service Aug. 31, 1945, and was honorably discharged Feb. 2, 1947. They made their home in the Columbia City area until 1962 when they moved to their present home. He started work at Columbia Dairy in 1948 until 1953 when he began at C.P./Weatherhead Dana until his retirement in 1985. In 1954 he began farming with his brother Joe until 1962 when Charles and Lois moved to their present home and began farming. He raced stock car #99 for many years with his brothers, Joe and David. He enjoyed hunting and fishing locally and in Vermont and Canada, but especially enjoyed Sundays with his family. He was a hard worker and taught his children good work ethic as well as good Christian values. He was a member of Blue River Church of the Brethren. Also surviving are four daughters: Patsy (and spouse Carl) Koop, Eastman, Ga.; Donna Sponseller, Warsaw; Barbara (and spouse Dean) Sheets, Columbia City; Vickie (and spouse Don) Gaerte, Albion; two sons, Jeffrey (and spouse Lisa) Shively, Columbia City, and Steven (and spouse Gail) Shively, Pleasant Lake; 17 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; a sister, Virginia Ruth Grabner, Columbia City; and a brother, Joe Shively, Churubusco. He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Richard Sponseller; two brothers, David and John; and a sister, Marilyn Wright. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Blue River Church of the Brethren, Columbia City. Calling is after 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the church and to 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial will be in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam, with military honors presented by Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard. ***** Memorials to Blue River Church of the Brethren or Honor Flight of Northeast Indiana. Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
