Richard L. Bolinger, 83, of Union Township, Whitley County, died at 4:54 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016, at his home.

He was born Jan. 6, 1933, in Jefferson Township, Whitley County, a son of Cloyce David and Wilma Deloris (Raber) Bolinger. He graduated from Jefferson Center High School in 1951 where he played basketball and was on the track team all four years of high school. On Feb. 16, 1952 he was united in marriage to Donna J. Herron. In March 1955 they moved to their present home.

He was employed at American Hoist for 18 years, Allen County Co-op in Arcola for nine years and retired from Dana Corp. in March 1995 with 10 years of service. His memberships included Dunfee Missionary Church and Union Township Fire Department.

Surviving relatives include four children: Teresa A. Hall; Linda S. (David) Walker; Ronald E. (Myra) Bolinger; and Roy A. Bolinger, all of Columbia City; six grandchildren: Laura Williamson; Lloyd Walker; Chad Bolinger; Ashley Schrader; Anita Horstman; and Logan Walker; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother: Jerry Bolinger; and two sisters: Nyla White; and Radonna Bolinger.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 18, at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne. The visitation will be from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, at the funeral home with a Volunteer Firefighter Service at 5 p.m.

Preferred memorials are to Dunfee Missionary Church, Parkview Home Health and Hospice or Union Township Fire Department.