Norman E. Drudge, 82, of Pierceton, Ind., passed away at 3 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013, at Whitley Parkview Hospital in Columbia City, Ind.

He worked for Sun Metal Products in Warsaw, Ind., for 46 years retiring in 1996 as the shipping foreman.

He was a 1947 graduate of Claypool High School, served in the Army National Guard during Korea, and he loved to farm. Norman was also a member of the North Webster American Legion Post #253.

He was born on Jan. 24, 1931, in Kosciusko County, Ind., to Orville L. Drudge and Mary Jane (Stickler) Drudge. On Dec. 1, 1956, he was married to Vera A. Cole, who survives in Pierceton.

He is also survived by his son: Dean (Dawn) Drudge, Butler, Ind.; three daughters: Darlene (Ronald) Crawford, Pierceton; Dianna (Patrick) Jones, Claypool, Ind.; Deana (Brian) Tusing, Warsaw; seven grandchildren: Nicole (Zachary) Osborn, Des Moines, Iowa; Paige Drudge, Butler, Ind.; Kaila and Kirsten Crawford, Pierceton; Emerson and Ian Jones, Claypool; Cameron Tusing, Warsaw; one brother: Rex (Alma) Drudge, Mentone, Ind.; two sisters: Marie (Lloyd) Applegate, Warsaw; and Martha (George) Klinger, Warsaw.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Rd., Warsaw. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at the funeral home and officiated by Pastor Jeff Pfeifer. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Claypool, after which friends and family are invited to the Claypool United Methodist Church, 302 E. Section St., Claypool, for a reception and funeral dinner.

Memorial donations in Norman’s name may be directed to the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County, 3489 E. 100 S., Pierceton, IN 46562.