Ronald E. Engle, 81, rural Columbia City, passed away peacefully at 12:28 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, at Miller’s – Oak Pointe, Columbia City where he had been a resident since January 2016.

He was born Oct. 12, 1936 in Columbia City, a son of the late Ralph and Evelyn (Bower) Engle. He started school in South Whitley through the first grade and then the family moved to the Coesse area where he graduated from Coesse High School in 1954.

On Aug. 18, 1956 he was united in marriage to Margaret Joyce Boger. They have always made their home in Jefferson Twp., Whitley County.

He began his work career at Coesse Corners.  At age 18, he began working for International Harvester, Fort Wayne.  He retired in 1985 with 30 years of service.

A talented craftsman, he built the house that was their home and made continual improvements through the years.  He always had a fondness for animals and had several dogs over the years – especially his German shepherd, Casey.

In his retirement years, he enjoyed riding his Honda Gold Wing Motorcycle.  The couple enjoyed many motorcycle trips until 2015 including the Rocky Mountains, the Pacific Ocean, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Nova Scotia.  He was a member of Whitley Wings Club.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joyce; a daughter, Linda J. (Phil) Hyndman and a son, Mark R. (Rochelle) Engle, both of Columbia City; two grandsons; three step-granddaughters, two great grandchildren; four great step grandchildren; and a brother, Ted (Barb) Engle, Warren.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Willadean Dunn and Janet Auer.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home Columbia City. Burial will be at the Jefferson Chapel Cemetery.  Visitation will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service.

Preferred memorials are to Humane Society of Whitley County or Heartland Hospice.