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COLUMBIA CITY – Percival John “P.J.” Hueber Jr., 88, of Columbia City, died peacefully in the company of family at 9:15 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at his home.
Born on October 5, 1936, in Portsmouth, Va., he was the son of the late Percival John Hueber and Elenore McConaghie Hueber. He spent his formative years in Litchfield, Ill., and at the age of 12, moved to Warsaw, where he graduated from Warsaw High School in 1954 and he was part of the 1952 undefeated football team.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 11, 1954, and became a machinist for the 23rd Engineer Company stationed in West Germany. He received his honorable discharge on March 14, 1958.
He returned to Warsaw, where he worked as a toolmaker for Tyler Machine, and in 1981, he went to work for Tecomet, retiring in 2021.
On April 23, 1977, he married Jo Ellen (Adair) Whitacre. For the past 25 years, they have made their home in Columbia City.
Fond of sprint car racing, he was the head mechanic for Dan Gregory Racing, participating in events at the Warsaw and New Paris Speedways. He also enjoyed NASCAR racing, following the televised races. He also enjoyed shooting sports, sharing the activity with his children and grandchildren.
He belonged to the American Legion Post 98, Columbia City, the former Eagles Club and was a long-term member of the NRA.
He is survived by his wife, Jo Ellen; his children: Jackie (John) Horn, of Plainfield; David (Debra) Hueber, of Albion; and Kathy Hueber, of Indianapolis; stepchildren, Tina (Slade) Freshour, of Fort Wayne; and Kevin (Christa) Whitacre, of Columbia City; 12 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and a sister, Joan (Richard) McKey, of Muncie.
John desired to have no services, but a celebration of life is being planned. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.
