Vernon E. Trier, 90, Columbia City, died at 5:40 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, at Miller’s Merry Manor where he had been a resident since July 2015.

He was born January 6, 1926 in Fort Wayne a son of Arthur W. and Irene L. (Meyer) Trier. In 1935 his family moved to Columbia City from Fort Wayne where his father started the Trier Implement Company. Vern graduated from Columbia City High School and continued his education at Indiana University Extension in Fort Wayne.

On March 31, 1944 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving during World War II. He was honorably discharged February 2, 1946.

On May 16, 1946 he was united in marriage to Mary E. Grant. They have always made their home in Columbia City, moving to their current home in 1968.

He joined his father and brother with the operations of Trier Auto Implement in 1946 and retired from Trier Ford Lincoln Mercury on December 31, 1996.

His memberships included Grace Lutheran Church where he served on Church Council for eight years and its president for three years, B.P.O.E. #1417 where he served as Exalted Ruler in 1953, American Legion Post #98, 22 year member of Lincoln Mercury Dealer Advertising Committee where he served as chairman for 10 years, President of Old SettlerÂ’s Day in 1959, co-founder of Columbia City Little League, former board member and past president of Lake Tippecanoe Country Club, former president of Columbia City Jaycees and former member of Kiwanis.

Surviving relatives include his wife, Mary; four children, Kathleen M. (James) Heuer, Columbia City, Grant V. (Kathy) Trier, Clearwater FL, Carolyn Coverstone, Columbia City and Thomas A. (Leanna) Trier, Columbia City; 14 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; and a sister, Norma Jean Johnston of Fort Wayne.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Arthur H. Trier and Robert W. Trier.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with an Elk service at 8 p.m.