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Verlin L. Coomler

Verlin L. Coomler, 88, of Heritage Pointe, in Warren, IN, died Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2015.

Mr. Coomler  graduated in 1945 from Van Buren High School, where he played on the Van Buren Aces basketball team. He served in the United States Army from 1946 to 1948 and worked as parts manager at his father’s business, Coomler Sales, in Fort Wayne, until moving to Van Buren in 1951. He farmed several hundred acres while working at Marion General Tire from 1961 to 1979. He retired from farming in 1985 and drove a school bus from 1985 to 2000.

He had been a member of Central Christian Church, in Van Buren, since 1954 and served as deacon, elder and trustee. He was a member of the Van Buren Lions Club since 1978 and received the Melvin Jones Award, the club’s highest honor, in 2005. He was a charter member of the Washington Township Fire Department and served 50 years with the department, including 18 years as fire chief.

He was born Jan. 22, 1927, in Landessville (know known as Landess) to Francis and Blanche Coomler and was raised by his grandmother, Eva Korporal, after the death of his mother. He married Betty Jean Westfall on March 25, 1947, and she preceded him in death on Oct. 31, 1995.

Survivors include two sons, James (Reneé) Coomler and Tom (Mary) Coomler; a daughter, Cathy (Dave) Stidham; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Calling is Sunday, Aug. 9, 2015, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Ferguson & Glancy Funeral Home, 201 N. Main St., Van Buren. A service will be held on Monday, Aug. 10, 2015, at 10 a.m., with calling one hour prior to the service, at Central Christian Church, in Van Buren. Rev. Heath Jones will officiate. Burial will be at Grant Memorial Park, in Marion. Military rites will be conducted by the United States Army and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5782, of Elwood.

Memorial gifts may be made to Central Christian Church, 201 S. 1st St., Van Buren, IN 46991 or the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department, 1513 N. Bethlehem Rd., Marion, IN 46952.

Online condolences may be made at www.glancyfuneralhomes.com.