SOUTH WHITLEY — Dean M. Eberly, 85, South Whitley, died at 7:45 a.m. Feb. 4, 2017, at Englewood Nursing Center, Fort Wayne, where he had been a resident since August 2016. He was born Sept. 22, 1931, a son of Levi and Mary Mishler Eberly. His formative years were spent in Richland Township, Whitley County. He completed his education at Larwill High School. On Sept. 9, 1951, he was united in marriage to Carolyn J. Montel. They made their home on a farm in Cleveland Township until 1986, when they moved into South Whitley. A self-employed plasterer for 30 years, he also drove escort for Whitley Mobile Homes for 30 years. He was a lifetime member of Eel River Masonic Lodge, an avid Jeff Gordon and NASCAR racing fan, and a member of Spring Creek Church of the Brethren. Surviving relatives include his wife, Carolyn; two children, Marvin D. (spouse Deb) Eberly, Warsaw, and Pam Sherbahn, South Whitley; six grandchildren: Ted Nixon, Brad Eberly, Ginger Schuh, Cari Juillerat, Lisa Osborne and Paul Eberly; 10 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ray Eberly, North Manchester, and Lee Eberly, South Whitley; and a sister, Glea Rule, Columbia City. He was preceded by a brother and a sister, George Eberly and Phyllis Birtwhistle. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, with a Masonic service at 8 p.m., at the funeral home. ***** Memorials to Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be sent at www.smithandsonsfuneral home.com.
