In loving memory of

Laurel E. Richmond
June 11, 1929 - February 28, 2018

Laurel E. Richmond, 88, of Columbia City, passed away at 6:02 pm Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at Woodview Health Care, Fort Wayne. Born June 11, 1929 in Steuben County, he was the son of Dorris M. and Etta Mae (Fair) Richmond.

He graduated from Angola High School with the Class of 1947. On January 29, 1950, Laurel married Bonnie Ferris in Auburn. In 1974, they moved to Whitley County and he became the owner and meat cutter of Columbia Locker. On February 11, 1975, Bonnie passed away after a short illness. He later married Elsie M. Lantz in Lancaster County, Pa. After retiring in 1984 from the locker, he worked part-time at Hooks and Scott's in Columbia City and volunteered with Elsie at Miller's Merry Manor. He was a member of New Hope Wesleyan Church and had been a board member of the Faith Christian Academy. He was an active member of his church and loved serving God by helping others. He also helped develop the Living Nativity in Columbia City.

Survivors include his daughters, Nancy (Kerry) Steele, of Huntertown and Peggy (Jim) Jones, of Fort Wayne; sons, Charles (Lisa) Richmond and Phillip (Lisa) Richmond, both of Columbia City; brothers, DeWayne (Jean) Richmond and Owen Richmond, both of Florida; 11 grandchildren, Scott (Tisha) Richmond, David (Kristen) Richmond, Chris Steele, Kim (Brandon) Rentfrow, Jeremy (Kelly) Steele, Stacey Lockhart, Andrea (Doug) Griggs, Chad (Tiffany) Jones, Brandon (Chelsea) Richmond, Jessica (Brian) Busz and Kayla Richmond; and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife; second wife on April 2, 2017; and brother, Norris Richmond.

Visitation is 1-4 Sunday, March 4, 2018 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Barry Faucett officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn. Memorial gifts may be given in his memory to Faith Christian Academy. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences online.

Tributes

Jack & Jane Helton wrote on Mar 4, 2018:

"Charlie & Family: Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Became acquainted with your parents at the locker. Jack & Jane Helton"

Leslie Schamberg wrote on Mar 2, 2018:

"My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Phil and Lisa. "

Beth Campbell wrote on Mar 2, 2018:

"Always loved going to Uncle Laurel and Bonnie's home as a child and having big family get togethers with everyone. Later on he and Elsie would come to visit us in Florida which continued more memories for us! His infectious laugh was priceless! Thoughts and prayers to all of my cousins! Love Beth Richmond Campbell"

Shelby Fairchild wrote on Mar 1, 2018:

"Laurel and Elsie lived next door to my Grandparents for years and years. They watched me grow up. My heart aches for you all during this time. I know that he will be greatly missed by many! Prayers to you all. "

Heather Reid wrote on Mar 1, 2018:

"Laurel was a fun fella! We laughed a lot on our weekly visits. Him & Elsie made enough chocolate chip cookies to feed all of Columbia City! Sorry he has passed. Heather Reid"

Randy Grimes wrote on Feb 28, 2018:

"May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief. Randy Grimes, Brett Gerber and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home "