Memorials

Robert L. Zumbrun, 74, of Columbia City, died at 6:55 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2009 at Miller’s Merry Manor.

He was born on November 6, 1934 in Thorncreek Township, Whitley County, a son of Owen R. and Fern A. (Quinn) Zumbrun. His formative years were spent on the family farm and he completed his education at Thorncreek Center School and Columbia City High School.

From 1952 to 1959, he served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. After completing his military duty, he returned to Columbia City and started his career as a car salesman with the Clarence Knisley Nash-Rambler dealership, then worked for Tenney Motor Sales until he established his own business, Zumbrun Auto Sales in 1969. He retired in June 1997.

On July 15, 1973, he was united in marriage in Las Vegas to Elizabeth L. Harvey Truman and they have always made their home in Columbia City.

He was a member of the Columbia City United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 98, Columbia City Eagles Lodge and the Tippecanoe County Club. "Honest Bob" enjoyed joking with his friends, playing golf and fishing.

The surviving relatives include his wife, Betty, two daughters, Mary June (Dan) Avery, Fort Wayne and Jerry Lynn McGhghy, Fowler, IL; ; five grandchildren, Brian, Geoffrey and Matthew Avery, Adam Price and Travis Sloan; a step son, Barry (Kathy) Truman, Columbia City; six step grandchildren, Beth Brady, Blake, Brandon and Bryce Truman and Heather Rush and 12 great grandchildren; three sisters, Jean Tenney, Columbia City, Annabel Hanna and Betty Sanders both of Fort Wayne.

He was preceded in death by a step son, Bryan Truman and a sister, Lois Schrader.

The funeral service will be held at 2 pm Wednesday in the Smith & Sons Funeral, Columbia City with longtime friend, Rev. Phil Blake, officiating. The burial will be in the Christian Chapel Cemetery at Merriam with the American Legion Post 98 presenting military honors. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm Tuesday at the funeral home.

For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Columbia City United Methodist Church.