Elmer J. Phend

August 20, 2008 10:48 am

— Elmer J. Phend, 91, 1215 Reynolds St., Goshen, died Monday at 6:57 p.m. at his home. He had been ill since March.
He was born Feb. 9, 1917, to Mose and Fannie (Evans) Phend, in Elkhart.
He had lived in Goshen since 1924.
He graduated from Goshen High School in 1934 and from Ball State University in 1940.
He taught school in LaGrange County. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in June 1941, where he earned the rank of first lieutenant as a bomb disposal officer. He was discharged in January 1946.
He was a member of the Goshen VFW, Goshen Lions Club, Goshen Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite of South Bend. He served as an honorary referee for the Goshen Relays.
He worked for Phend Dairy for 12 years until it merged with Goshen Farms Dairy in October 1940. He was a vice president and senior trust officer at Salem Bank, retiring in 1984 after 25 years.
He married Betty Jane Harroff, Dec. 25, 1941, in Kimmell. She survives.
Also surviving are two sons, James W. (Susan) Phend, Carmel, John L. “Jack” (Julie) Phend, Naperville, Ill.; two grandchildren, Nicholas Phend and Jennifer Nock; a great granddaughter, Ella Nock; and a sister, Frances (Stan) Carr, Goshen.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, James, who died in 1967.
Friends may call Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, where a Masonic service will begin at 7 p.m.
The funeral service will take place Friday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Alan Griffin of the First Presbyterian Church, Goshen, will officiate.
Military graveside services will take place at Violett Cemetery, Goshen.
Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Goshen or Goshen Care at Home Hospice.
Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, is assisting with arrangements. Condolences may be sent to yoderculpfuneralhome.com.

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