Memorials

Jay R. Auker, 61, of South Whitley, died at 8:35 a.m., Monday, March 31, 2008 at Parkview Hospital Main, Fort Wayne where he was admitted Sunday, March 30, 2008.

He was born December 5, 1946, in Fort Wayne, a twin son of Joe A. and Jeri (Robinette) Auker.

His formative years were spent in South Whitley where he attended South Whitley Elementary and graduated from South Whitley High School in 1965.

On December 28, 1965, he entered the U.S. Navy and served during the Vietnam War. He received an honorable discharged on December 22, 1969. 

On September 1, 1969 he was united in marriage to Judy Collelo. They made their home in South Whitley.

Starting as a part-time employee during his senior year in high school, he was employed by General Electric on Taylor Streetin Fort Wayne. He continued working there for 43 years, where he was currently employed.

He was a member of South Whitley United Methodist Church and 29-year member of American Legion Post 253 in North Webster.

Surviving relatives include his wife, Judy; his mother, Jeri Robinette Auker; two daughters, Amy (John) Hicks of North Manchester and Melissa (Adam) Craig of South Whitley; his twin brother, Ray (Jeanie) Auker, North Webster and brother, Marvin Auker of Fort Wayne and 5 grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his father Joe Auker.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2008 at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley, with Reverend Paul Burris and Reverend Mark Wagoner, officiating. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Additional information and condolences may be obtained by logging onto smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.