Rene S. Nine, 95, of Warsaw, died at 3:45 p.m. Oct. 11, 2011, in his residence.
He was born Jan. 13, 1916, in Cherbourg, France, to Hurless and Ernestine P. Saunier Nine. On Oct. 16, 1942, in Knoxville, Tenn., he married Willie Hugh Nine, who died March 22, 2006.
He was a 65 year resident of Warsaw. He faithfully served his country in World War II as a volunteer in entering service in 1944 with the United States Army Air Corps as lieutenant pilot with the 398th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force. He piloted 20 missions over Germany and was awarded six Bronze Air Medals, one Silver Air Medal and Presidential Unit Citations. After World War II he transferred to the United States Air Force Reserve formed on Dec. 18, 1947, by the National Security Act serving three active tours of duty while stationed at Grissom (Bunker Hill) Air Force Base. Rene retired from the United States Air Force Reserve as a lieutenant colonel in January of 1976 after 32 years of service. He was a member of the John C. Peterson Post 49 of the American Legion, Warsaw, and a member of the Air Force Officer Reserve Association. He was the owner of Schrader’s Auto Parts, with locations in Warsaw, Columbia City, and Elkhart, before retiring in 1990.
Surviving are his brother-in-law, Ledford (and spouse Merline) Hensley, Warsaw; five nieces: Ruby Schooley, San Diego, Calif.; Cindy (and spouse Rick) Heckaman, Winona Lake, Marie (and spouse Tim) Lowman; Toni Archer; Lisa (and spouse Chris) Mahan, all of Warsaw; two nephews, Marvin (and spouse Kim) Hensley and Ronald (and spouse Michele) Hebert, France; several great nieces and nephews.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Woodlawn Cemetery, Knoxville, Tenn., with full military honors.
Calling is from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw.
***** Memorials may be made to The American Legion Post 49 Nursing Scholarship Fund, 301 N. Buffalo St., Warsaw, IN 46580.
Condolences may be sent via www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com
