Memorials

Philip "Smokie" Ray Park, 72, of Columbia City, passed away at 7:08 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at Select Specialty Hospital, Fort Wayne.

Born on September 27, 1936 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, he was the son of Elvin and Gladys (Buffington) Park. He attended school in Twin Falls, Idaho, prior to enlisting in the US Army where he served in the Korean War.

He worked in the dental supply business for over 20 years most recently with Supply House in Sacramento, California, and 21st Century Dental in Fort Wayne. A resident of Columbia City since 1996, he spent the majority of his life in California.

He was a 10 year volunteer with the Meals on Wheel program through Parkview Whitley Hospital. He is survived by his son Cameron (Danielle) Park of Fort Drum, New York; a sister, Phyllis "Phyl Phyl" Rudnick of Spokane, Washington; and 2 brothers, Charles "Tuffy" (Billie) Park of Burley, Idaho, and Elvin "Shorty" (Elizabeth) Park of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Kelley (Sykes) Park.

Memorial service is Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Visitation with the family will be held from 1:30 p.m. until time of the service. Sharon Brockhaus, Certified Funeral Celebrant, will officiate. Private burial will take place at Fair Oaks Cemetery in California at a later date.

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