Earl T. Records, 87, of 120 Pilgrim Drive, Portland, died at 12:06 p.m. Sept. 4, 2010, in Jay County Hospital, Portland.
He was born July 18, 1923, in Detroit, Mich., to William P. and Edith Crossman Records. On June 18, 1977, he married Nina Hall, who survives.
He graduated from Proviso Township High School, Maywood, Ill., in 1941. He was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran, serving from 1941-45. He was an Aviation Radioman 2nd Class serving in the American Theater, European African Area and Asiatic Pacific Area. He served on CVE Carrier "Core" and CVE Carrier Guadalcanal. While serving on Guadalcanal, they captured U505 German uboat, which resides at the Museum of Science and Industry. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Commendation Medal, Victory Medal and Combat Air Crewman Wings.
He then earned a bachelor of mechanical engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y., and did graduate studies at the University of Michigan.
After working at Alcoa, he had a 40-year career at White Metal Rolling and Stamping Co., Warsaw, serving as chief engineer and plant manager. He was one of the owners of the company when he retired in 1988.
He was one of the founders of United Way of Kosciusko County and a member of First United Methodist Church, Warsaw; Kiwani's Club; Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club at Bob Evans; and American Legion Post 49, Warsaw.
Surviving are a son, Doug (and spouse Bonnie) Hall, Atlanta, Ga.; three daughters, Pam (and spouse Pat) Bennett, Portland, Ind.; Carol (and spouse John) Wallace, Salem, Mass.; and Sally (and spouse Keith) Might, Indianapolis; eight grandchildren, Kelly (and spouse Adam) Staples, Fishers; Brad (and spouse Nora) Bennett, Hull, Ga.; Kate Wallace, Chicago, Ill.; Sam, Jacob and Caleb Might, all of Indianapolis; and Alexis and Spencer Hall, both of Atlanta, Ga. He was preceded in death by a son, Jay Records.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw, officiated by Pastor Tim Dilley of Asbury United Methodist Church, Portland. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.
Calling is from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
There will be military honors by member of American Legion 49 and Veterans of Foreign Wars 1126.
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Memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church, 179 S. Indiana St., Warsaw, IN 46580; or Jay County Hospital Foundation, 500 W. Votaw, Portland, IN 47371.
Condolences may be sent via mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com
