ROCHESTER - Cedric Leroy Berdine, 77, of 5746 S. Ind. 25, Rochester, died May 1, 2010, in his residence.
He was born in Hebron, on Sept. 9, 1932, to Charles and Ida Frashour Berdine. On Aug. 9, 1964, in Rushville, he married Barbara J. Neuman, who survives.
In 1950, he graduated from Hebron High School and studied piano at the Sherwood School of Music, Chicago. A year later he received his piano certificate. He was awarded a bachelor's degree in music from Valparaiso University and a master's degree in music education from Butler University. His teaching career began in 1955 at the Fulton Schools (now known as Caston School Corp.). During his teaching years he served the Caston Classroom Teachers as their president and was head of the negotiations team for a number of years. He was a member of the Merry Little Woodworkers. He holds life memberships with ISTA, NEA, ISTAR and IRTA. He was a longtime member and past president of Fulton County Retired Teachers and a member of the Order of Easter Star 70 originating in Fulton, now combined with Rochester, he was worthy patron for nine years. He served as grand organist for the Grand Chapter of OES from 2000-01. He also was a member of the Reflections of Love Grand Family. As a member of South Bend's Scottish Rite he was a 32nd degree Mason. He was a member of the Scottish Rite Choir for 20 years. Serving the Fulton F&AM Lodge 665, he was currently secretary and is past worshipful master. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and was a member of the Praise Team, Kum Join Us Sunday school class and directed the Chancel Choir for a number of years. For more than 20 years he shared his musical talents with the Fulton County Players serving the group as music director. He accompanied the Fulton County Extension chorus since 1993 and The Notables since their inception.
Also surviving are a daughter, Aline Elizabeth Berdine, DeMotte; two sons, John Charles (and spouse Beverly) Berdine and Scott Allen Berdine, all of Leasburg, N.C.; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Pogue.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester, with the Rev. Maurice Grindle officiating. Burial will be in Fulton Cemetery.
Calling is from 2 to 8 p.m. today and one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the funeral home. Today members of the Order of Easter Star 70 will conduct a memorial service at 7 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. members of the Fulton F&AM Lodge 665 will conduct their memorial service.
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Memorials may be made to the Fulton F&AM Lodge 665 for a teaching scholarship to be established in his name or to the Grace United Methodist Church Music Department.
