COLUMBIA CITY – Russel Fahl, 85, Columbia City, passed away at 5:08 a.m. March 5, 2016, at his home. He was born July 24, 1930, in Wabash County, to George A. and Opal Snyder Fahl. On April 21, 1951, he married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn Perry, who survives after 64 years of marriage. He played football and basketball at Columbia City High School, winning the coveted Honor Blanket and graduating with the class of 1948. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was a sales manager with Town and Country Food. In 1968 he was a co-owner with his brother Robert of Holland Mobile Home Park in Warsaw. He would expand the park and rename it Westhaven Estates. He also opened up a mobile home sales lot, Fahl Luxury Homes. In 1984, he and his wife moved to Warsaw to be closer to the business they managed together. He would also go on to own and operate Green Acres and when he and his wife moved back to Columbia City in 2011, they bought Magic Hills Golf Course. In addition, he was a farmer with over 1,300 acres. Even with all his hard work that he enjoyed doing, his greatest joy was supporting and being with his family. He enjoyed attending any family functions, celebrations or activities. He attended First Church of God and was a member of the Elks. He was a supporter of the Whitley County 4-H and was proud of starting The Fahl Family Athletic Scholarship last year. Also surviving are four children: Pam McCoy and Karen (and spouse Ryan) Cook, all of Columbia City; and Joe Fahl and Max Fahl, both of Fort Wayne; three sisters: Bonnie Merriman, Fort Wayne, Shirley Fahl, Jacksonville, Ala., and Norma Sontendahl, Austin, Texas; nine grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers: Tom, Richard, Clarence “Fritz” and Robert Fahl; three sisters: Charlotte McClain, Mary Bourne and Sandra Rarick; and an infant brother and sister, Charles and Patricia. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, Columbia City, with Pastor Brandon Holler officiating. Burial will follow at South Park Annex Cemetery. Calling will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 7:45 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, followed by An Elks service at 8 p.m. ***** Memorials to the Alzheimer Association or Heartland Hospice. To read Russel’s life story or to send his family condolences online, visit www.demoneygrimes
