Memorials

Peyton Lee Bender, 4, passed away in a house fire with his mother, Brandi A. Bender, and brothers, Nicholas Ryan Adkins, and unborn infant, Justice Anthony Bender-Wheaton on Saturday, January 17, 2009 in Fort Wayne.

Born on October 2, 2004 in Columbia City, he was the son of Richard L. Shoemaker and Brandi A. Bender.

He lived in Whitley County for three years and for the past year, he resided in Fort Wayne. He enjoyed playing Nerf guns with his brother, Nicholas.

Survivors include his father, Richard L. (Cassie Hoffman) Shoemaker of Columbia City; aunts, Jaime (William) Burton and Mariah Heckman both of Columbia City, Kelli Bender of Fort Wayne, Karly and Scarlet Bender of Larwill; uncle, Jason (Amanda) Shoemaker of Larwill; grandparents, Denise (David) Heckman of Columbia City, Charles and Anita Bender of Larwill and Ron (Diana) Shoemaker of Columbia City; great-grandmothers, Augusta Carner of Columbia City and Sandra Goff of Fort Wayne; great-grandparents, Gene and Karen Heckman of Columbia City, Charles and Wilma Bender of Columbia City, Carl (Judy) Goff of New Haven; great-great grandmother, Ada Vandemon of Columbia City; cousins, Jordan, Erin and Taylor Shoemaker, Amanda and Amy Goff.    

Combined visitation for Peyton, Brandi, Nicholas and Justice is Tuesday, January 20, 2009 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service is Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Rick Pride of Eagle Quest Church officiating. Burial will follow at Stough Cemetery, Columbia City.

Memorials may be given in memory of Peyton, Brandi, Nicholas and Justice to B.A.B.E. of Columbia City.

Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.