Herbert H. Pelfrey, 85, of Columbia City, died at 4:33 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2015, at Parkview Whitley Hospital where he was admitted on Wednesday.

He was born Sept. 27, 1929, in Combs, Ky. a son of the late Sam Henry and Kizzie (Watkins) Pelfrey. His formative years were spent in Kentucky where he completed his formal education. On June 25, 1955, he was united in marriage to Gloria V. Heinfeld. They made their home for the past 60 years in Columbia Township.

He was a local truck driver for General Electric, Fort Wayne for 29 years and a member of their industrial complex fire brigade. He also was a former member of the Columbia Township Fire Department. Early in his married life, he farmed their property and raised small lots of hogs and sheep.

Well known to his friends and acquaintances for his antics, he enjoyed meeting with them at the local restaurants following his retirement. He had a vast collection of Ertl model trucks and baseball style caps.

He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Masonic Lodge 189, Columbia City and the Mizpah Shrine.

Surviving relatives include his wife of sixty years: Gloria; his daughters: Janell A. (Steven) Wood; and Julie (Randy) Brommer, both of Columbia City; grandchildren: Kyle Wood; Kory Wood; Kolten Wood; and Lyndsey Brommer.

He was preceded in death by a grandson: Cody Brommer.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 25, at Grace Lutheran Church, Columbia City. Burial will be in the Nolt Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Preferred memorials are to the Diabetes Association or the Alzheimer’s Association.