Charles Donald Shively, 89, Wolf Lake, died at 12:18 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born March 10, 1927 in Smith Township, Whitley County a son of Esli and Helen (Egolf) Shively. He graduated from Churubusco High School in 1945.

A United States Army veteran, he entered the service on Aug. 31, 1945 and was honorably discharged Feb. 2, 1947.

On Dec. 13, 1947 he was united in marriage to Lois I. Smith. They made their home in the Columbia City area until 1962 when they moved to their present home.

He started work at Columbia Dairy in 1948 until 1953 when he began at C.P./Weatherhead Dana until his retirement in 1985. In 1954 he began farming with his brother Joe until 1962 when Charles and Lois moved to their present home and began farming. He raced stock car #99 for many years with his brothers, Joe and David. He enjoyed hunting, fishing locally and in Vermont and Canada but especially enjoyed Sundays with his family. Charles was a hard worker and taught his children good work ethic as well as good Christian values.

He was a member of Blue River Church of the Brethren.

Surviving relatives include his wife of over 68 years, Lois; four daughters: Patsy (Carl) Koop, Eastman Ga.; Donna Sponsellerl, Warsaw; Barbara (Dean) Sheets, Columbia City; and Vickie (Don) Gaerte of Albion; two sons: Jeffrey (Lisa) Shively, Columbia City; and Steven (Gail) Shively, Pleasant Lake; 17 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; a sister: Virginia Ruth Grabner, Columbia City; and a brother, Joe Shively, Churubusco.

He was preceded in death by a son-in-law: Richard Sponseller; two brothers: David and John; and a sister: Marilyn Wright.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Blue River Church of the Brethren, 3040 East 700 North, Columbia City with visitation after 9:30. The visitation will also be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

The burial will be in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam with military honors presented by Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard.

Preferred memorials are to Blue River Church of the Brethren or Honor Flight of Northeast Indiana.

Smith & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.