Wayne A. Beerbower

WAYNE A. BEERBOWER, 99, of Grabill, died on Monday, Dec. 12, 2011, at The Cedars, in Leo surrounded by the love and care of family, friends and staff. Born May 1, 1912, in Scipio Township, Allen County, Ind., he was the son of the late A. P. and Eva Beerbower. He was raised on the family farm with seven brothers and sisters. After graduation from Hicksville, High School, he began his work career at the Fort Wayne Post Office. He married Irene Lake of Harlan on May 18, 1935; she preceded him in death in 1995. He later became Plant Manager at the Fort Wayne Coca Cola bottling plant. In 1946, he and Irene purchased the Hi-Record Hatchery in Grabill and operated it until his retirement in 1982. He helped develop the broiler and egg industry in this area. The family took many vacations in the United States. He and Irene traveled extensively around the world, always meeting and learning about interesting people and cultures. Family and friends will miss Wayne's great stories, card games, snowmobile trips and fun at Oliver Lake. He was a member of Leo United Methodist Church; Charter member of Cedar Creek Lions Club; Leo Masonic Lodge and the Scottish Rite. He was also a former board member of Parkview Memorial Hospital. He is survived by a son, Robert (Neva) Beerbower of Fort Wayne; daughters, Joanne Beerbower of Grabill, Mary (Mike) Smith of Corunna, Ind. and Kathryn (Robert) Coon of Baton Rouge, La.; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sister, Anna Mae Rediger of Auburn; brothers, Ray Beerbower and Russell (Nellie) Beerbower, both of Antwerp, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Alice Beerbower and Juanita Lake, both of Fort Wayne; brother-in-law, Willard Green of Antwerp, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Opal Green; and brothers, Carlin, Guy and Owen Beerbower. Funeral service is 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, at Leo United Methodist Church, Leo, with visitation one hour prior. The Rev. David Heim officiating. Visitation also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 Friday, Dec. 16, 2011, at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road. Memorials may be directed to Leo United Methodist Church. Burial in Scipio Cemetery, Harlan, Ind. To leave online condolences, please visit www.hockemeyermillerfh.com