SOUTH WHITLEY - Jay R. Auker, 61, of South Whitley, died at 8:35 a.m. March 30, 2008, in Parkview Hospital Main, Fort Wayne.
He was born Dec. 5, 1946, in Fort Wayne, to Joe A. and Jeri Robinette Auker. On Sept. 1, 1969, he married Judy Collelo, who survives.
He was a 1965 South Whitley High School graduate. On Dec. 28, 1965, he entered the U.S. Navy and served during the Vietnam War. He received an honorable discharge on Dec. 22, 1969. Starting as a part-time employee during his senior year, he worked at General Electric, Fort Wayne, for 43 years. He was a member of South Whitley United Methodist Church and a 29-year member of American Legion Post 253, North Webster.
Also surviving are his mother, Jeri Auker Robinette; two daughters, Amy (and spouse John) Hicks, North Manchester, and Melissa (and spouse Adam) Craig, South Whitley; his twin brother, Ray (and spouse Jeanie) Auker, North Webster; a brother, Marvin Auker, Fort Wayne; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, South Whitley, with the Revs. Paul Burris and Mark Wagoner officiating.
Calling is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
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Condolences may be sent to smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
