Rick Eugene Gaff, 57, Columbia City, died at 1:38 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne where he had been a patient for the past seven days.

He was born Aug. 10, 1960 in Columbia City, a son of Harold Eugene and Gloria Jean (Neil) Gaff. His formative years were spent in Thorncreek Township. He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1978.  ontinuing his training, he became a certified welder.

On Aug. 29, 1987 he was united in marriage to Lisa L. Jones. They have always made their home in Columbia City.

For the past 31 years, Rick has worked for Reelcraft, Columbia City as a welder and assembler.

His hobbies included collecting knives, swords and Hot Wheel monster trucks, which he had an extensive collection.  He enjoyed gardening as he endeavored to have the tallest castor bean plants and the biggest elephant ear (tarul) plant.  He was an avid Cubs fan following them through the baseball season.  He always enjoyed muscle cars, especially the 1969 Camaro Z28.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa, their three boys, Forrest (Shayna) Gaff, Justin L. Gaff and Brandon L. Gaff, all of Columbia City; his mother, Gloria Jean (Fred) Neil of Muncie; two half-sisters, Mary Leslie and Sarah Ann Stahl; and a half-brother, John Neil, Washington, D.C.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold E. Gaff; an infant brother, Harold Gaff and a half-brother, Christopher Neil.

The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Visitation will be 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.  Burial will be at a later date at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Preferred memorials are to the Humane Society of Whitley County.