Jack E. Schrader
Jack E. Schrader, 85, rural Columbia City, died 11:48 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19, 2016 at Miller’s at Oak Pointe, where he had been a resident since August, 2014.
He was born July 31, 1931, in Whitley County, a son of Charles E. and Mary C.P. (Gaff) Schrader. As a young boy, his family moved to Union Township from Thorncreek Township. He graduated from Coesse High School.
On Feb. 28, 1951, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged Feb. 27,1954.
On June 13, 1953, he was united in marriage to Maralee A. Lawrence. They made their home in Union Township until 1956 when they moved to their home in Columbia Township.
Jack worked for International Harvester from 1954 until 1981. In 1982, he began working for Chore Time Brock until retiring in 1995.
He was a member of Coesse United Methodist Church, Three Rivers Lodge Free and Accepted Masons, Green Arrow NEO, was a Columbia Township Volunteer Fireman for 33 years, charter member of Whitley County Rescue 92, American Legion Post 98, co-founder of Leatherneck Coffee Club and a charter member of Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Maralee; two sons: Jeffrey A. (Debra) Schrader, Columbia City, and Jody E. (Lynn) Schrader, Orlando Fla.; six grandchildren: Jason Schrader, Dustin Schrader, Jennifer Baron, Jodi Wasson, Jami Richard and Jessi Schrader; three step-grandsons: Aaron Kaczmarek, Nathan Kaczmarek and Jonathan Kaczmarek; 12 great-grandchildren; a step-great grandson; three brothers: Clifton Schrader, Oregon, Frederick Schrader, Nevada, and Richard Schrader, Arizona; and a sister, Dortha Feller, Illinois.
He was preceded in death by three brothers: Gilbert, Franklin and Roger; and two sisters: Ellen Strong and Melba Shirey.
The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 22, at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Visitation will be 2-6 p.m. Sunday with an Indiana Volunteer Firefighter service following.
The burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery with military honors presented by Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard.
Preferred memorials are to Columbia Township Fire Department.