Vernon L. “Bing” Himes, 77 of Winona Lake, Ind., passed away at 4:50 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013, in his residence.

On May 25, 1936, he was born in Plymouth, Ind., to Russell and Helen (Lucas) Himes. He was united in marriage to Flora Jean Prater in 1955 in Warsaw, Ind., who preceded him in death.

A lifetime resident of Kosciusko County, Bing worked as a custodian for Warsaw Community Schools and also for Warsaw Street Department, where he retired. He was a volunteer fireman First Class for Warsaw Fire Department from 1964-1979.

Bing was a member of Victory Rock Church, Warsaw, and a lifetime member of Indiana Volunteer Fireman’s Association and was awarded Volunteer Fireman of The Year on Dec. 8, 1972. He also served our country in the U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division, during the Korean Conflict.

He is survived by three sons: Gary Himes, Warsaw; Terry (Susan) Himes, Warsaw; and Tony Himes, Pierceton, Ind.; four sisters: Sharon McNee, Cindy Conley, Dardnella Yoder and Beverly Moody; nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Victory Rock Church in Pierceton with Pastors Charles Trout and William Whitaker officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Memorial contributions may be made to Southern Care Hospice, 7557 W. Jefferson Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46804.

To sign the guestbook or send condolences electronically, go to the McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels website.