Robert Charles Straub Sr., 92, Columbia City, died at 9:38 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015, at Parkview Whitley Hospital after a brief illness.

He was born Nov. 28, 1923, in Berkeley, Calif., a son of Joseph C.A. and Sara H. (Blacow) Straub. In 1925 his family moved to Chicago and to New Haven in July 1930. He graduated from New Haven High School in 1941.

On Feb. 13, 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving during World War II. He was honorably discharged Nov. 25, 1945. On Dec. 24, 1942, he was united in marriage to Eileen R. Potts. They have made their home northeast of Columbia City for the past 70 years. From 1942 until his retirement in 1983 he was a tool and die maker for General Electric in Fort Wayne. An award winning conservationist, his nearly 100 acres of woodlands is being placed in the Wood-Land-Lakes R C and D.

He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church.

Surviving relatives include his wife: Eileen; four children: Robert C. (Betty) Straub Jr., Colleyville, Texas; Thomas M. (Jane) Straub, Columbia City; Kim B. (Bill) Owen, Avilla; and Kathy S. (David) Hockerman, Churubusco; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and a sister: Jeanette Lee, Attica. He was preceded in death by a brother: Richard F. Straub; and a sister: Sally Ann Straub.

There will be no visitation or service. A memorial celebration will be held at a later date.

Preferred memorials are to Grace Lutheran Church Food Pantry.

Arrangements are entrusted to Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.