Chester L. “Chet” Simon, 78, of Columbia City, died at 10:38 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015, at Lutheran Medical Center, Fort Wayne.

He was born Feb. 28, 1937, in Whitley County, a son of J. Howard and Dorothy A. (Hile) Simon. A lifelong resident of Whitley County, he graduated from Columbia City High School. From 1956 until 1959 he served in the United States Army. On Aug. 4, 1957, he was united in marriage to Joan F. Krider. He retired in 1996 from Dana Corp. with 35 years of service.

His memberships include Due Guard Lodge #278 F. & A.M., Mizpah Shrine where he was a past potentate; Whitley County Shrine Club where he served as past president; 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Columbia City Order of the Eastern Star #65, Chapter Dad for Columbia City DeMolay for 16 years; YOSHI, Hillbilly Clan #95, SAMSAR and Antique Power Club; Columbia Township Advisory Board and was attending First Church of God.

Surviving relatives include his wife: Joan; two children: Deliela M. (Ed) Banks and Joseph L. (Sally) Simon, both of Columbia City; six grandchildren: James Banks, Chad Banks, Bradley Banks, Nicole Tucker, Heather Parish and Adam Simon; 14 great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Lucille Trimmer and D. Jean Leininger, both of Columbia City.

His parents and a brother, J. Charles Simon, preceded him in death.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in South Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, and 3- 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, followed by OES Service, 33rd Degree, MSA Scottish Rite Service and Masonic Service.

Preferred memorials are to Shriners Hospitals for Children.