COLUMBIA CITY - Donald Eugene Boner, 72, of Whitley County, died at 10:42 a.m. Feb. 27, 2011, in the emergency room of Parkview Whitley Hospital, where he was transported after becoming suddenly ill at his residence.
He was born April 29, 1938, in Warsaw, to Carold W. and Lois L. Kitson Boner. On April 12, 1964, he married Ruth J. DeHabey, who survives.
He graduated from Larwill High School in 1956 and received a bachelor's degree in animal science from Purdue University. On Sept. 26, 1961, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged Aug. 31, 1967.
A dairy and grain farmer, he was very active at the local, state and national levels showing registered Holstein cattle, winning many awards for top honors.
He was a member of Big Lake Church of God, Whitley County; the National Holstein Associations; and Whitley County 4-H Inc., where he was a former president of the advisory board.
Also surviving are three children: Debra (and spouse Rick) Hunt Ott, South Lake, Texas; Donna (and spouse Ken) McDonald, Columbia City; and Rick (and spouse Melissa) Boner, Merrillville; three grandchildren; and a sister, Ruth Ann Shenberger, Maryland. He was preceded in death by a sister.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial will be in Adams Cemetery.
Calling is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
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Condolences may be sent via www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
