Charles Edward Disbrow, Jr. , 79, of rural South Whitley, died peacefully in the company of family at 1:32 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.

Born on July 12, 1944, in LaPorte, Indiana, he was a son of the late Charles E. Disbrow, Sr. and Ethel (Mitchell) Nicodemus. Growing up in Columbia City, the family moved to Huntertown where he graduated from Eel River Perry High School in 1962.

He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1962 earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served with the security service in Vietnam and was honorably discharged on May 28, 1970. Returning to the area, he completed Indiana International Business College and earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Indiana Wesleyan University.

On August 20, 1982, he married Sharon Rose King. They have always made their home in rural South Whitley.

He went to work for Dana Corporation, Spicer Axle Division, Fort Wayne. He retired in 2001 with 30 years of service. Keeping active in his retirement, he operated the retail store for Bolinger Tin Shop, South Whitley and substitute taught at the Whitko High School.

A member of the United Methodist Church of South Whitley, it is now the South Whitley Community Church.  Passionate about singing, he    belonged to the Chain-O-Lakes Chorus and Chain Gang Quartet. Around the home, he kept a well-kept tool shop and enjoyed gardening and mowing the lawn.

He always enjoyed a cookout, a good game of euchre, ping-pong, or a word game. He also enjoyed playing yard games and fishing. Spending time with the grandkids was a priority, and he often gave them rides around his country property. In his younger years, he bowled with the Dana bowling leagues.

Surviving is his wife of 41 years, Sharon; twin daughters, Stacy M. Wright of San Pedro, CA, and Tracy D. (John) Sexauer of Fishers; and son, Michael Disbrow of Fishers; a stepdaughter, Sandy (Kenny) Monce of North Manchester; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; half-brother, Jack (Pam) Nicodemus of Columbia City; and two half-sisters, Peggy (Dan) Hoover and Linda (Monte) Gerig, both of Columbia City.

He was preceded in death by step father, Kenneth Nicodemus; a sister, Sandra Dillion; son, David Disbrow and step-son, David Bruch.

Visitation is from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday (March 23rd) at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, with a funeral service to begin at 3 p.m. Burial will be at a later date at the South Whitley Cemetery.

Memorials in Charles's honor are to the Chain-O-Lakes Choirs.