Charles Clinton "Chad" McClure , Jr., 81, of rural Columbia City, died unexpectedly of natural causes at 6:09 p.m. Monday, October 20, 2025.

Born on March 21, 1944, in Bluffton, Indiana, he was a son of the late Charles Clinton McClure, Sr. and Alice (Blocher) McClure.  Growing up in Aboite Twp., Allen County, he graduated from Lafayette Central High School in 1962.

Inducted into the U.S. Army on August 8, 1966, he served in Vietnam, where he was wounded in action, receiving the Purple Heart.  He was honorably discharged on June 21, 1969.

Returning to the area, he went to work for General Electric, Fort Wayne.  He then became a truck dispatcher located near the Fort Wayne Airport.  In 1998, he received a medical disability from the Veterans Administration.  He retired to his country home, where he raised mules, rabbits, goats, chickens, ducks, and horses.

On July 16, 1998, Charles married Cynthia Mae Gaff.  They have always made their home in rural Columbia City.

Charles enjoyed the outdoors, caring for his farm animals.  After finding that riding a horse-drawn wagon was much more comfortable, he gave up riding horses.  He liked to hunt deer and raccoons and always had a go cup of coffee wherever he was.  When the grandkids came along, they became his focus and joy.

Surviving is his wife, Cindy; his children, Ann M. McClure of Fort Wayne and Charles (Heather) McClure of Huntertown; stepchildren, Candy Pease of Churubusco and Timothy (Jennifer) Branning of Columbia City; grandchildren, Gabrielle, Cory, Cari Ann, Jan, Emma Nalayn, Jordan, Mia, and Jace; great-grandchildren, Cameron, Leo, Presley, Henry, Sawyer, Thea, Ruby Elizah, and Ellianna.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a stepson, Jamie Branning; grandchildren, Christopher, Camryn, Jaxon, and Carleigh; and siblings, Jerry McClure and Becky Baker.

Visitation is 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday (Oct 23rd) and from 2 p.m. until the service at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  The funeral service is 3 p.m. Friday (Oct 24th) at the funeral home with military honors presented by the Korean War Honor Guard.

Memorials in Chad's honor are to final expenses c/o Smith & Sons Funeral Home.