Published: November 03, 2009 10:38 am      

Norman Jack Biddle

July 29, 1926-Oct. 31, 2009

LIGONIER — Norman Jack Biddle, 83, died unexpectedly Saturday at Goshen General Hospital as the result of natural causes.

He was born July 29, 1926, in Wolf Lake to Chester and Elsie Pauline (Sarrnow) Biddle.

He was a lifetime area resident.

He worked in plumbing and heating for several decades and previously owned and operated Biddle’s Restaurant & Tavern in Cromwell.

He was a graduate of Cromwell High School and went on to serve his country honorably during World War II in the United States Army. He was a man that was dedicated to his country and his community.

He was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church of Cromwell and was also a member of numerous civic organizations, including the American Legion Post 243 in Ligonier, where he was a past commander and currently served as a district office holder.

He was also a member of the Forty & Eight, Eagles 1763 of Ligonier, Elks Lodge 1194, Cromwell Masonic Lodge, and a charter member of the Cromwell-Kimmell Lions Club.

He is survived by his companion of 22 years, Charlene Gehring, Ligonier; four children, Paula (Larry) Gingerich, Ligonier, Ken (Toby) Biddle, Pierceton, Jody (David) Franklin Sr., Syracuse, and Tim (Fay) Biddle, Syracuse; four stepchildren, Cindy (Dave) Swank, Ligonier, Susan Rittenberry, Kimmell, Mike (Marsha) Maggert, Cromwell, and Penny Beerman, Fort Wayne; 21 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. Dennis Judy of North Webster Church of God officiating.

Burial will be in Sparta Cemetery, Kimmell.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Nurses Training Fund, 100 S. Main St., Ligonier.

Online condolences may be sent at www.yeagerfuneralhome.com.