Charles N. Pulley , 92, of Columbia City, died unexpectedly of natural causes at 11:26 a.m. Saturday, November 4, 2023, at his winter home in Tucson, Arizona.

Born on October 27, 1931, in Huntington, Indiana, he was a son of the late LaMoine and Ruth (McVicker) Pulley. Growing up on a farm near Coesse, he completed his education at Coesse School.

He joined the U.S. Army on January 13, 1949. After his training, he was deployed to Japan, serving in the Army Occupation. His duty was extended when the U.S. entered the Korean Conflict, where he served. He was honorably discharged on January 26, 1952. He returned to the family farm near Coesse.

On June 7, 1953, he married Marilyn DeLaine Anderson. The couple made their home in Union Twp. until moving to Fort Wayne in 1960.  In 1970, they moved to a farm north of Columbia City. Marilyn died on April 24, 2007.

In 1962, Charles went to work in the plant for International Harvester in Fort Wayne.  He retired in 1983 when the Fort Wayne production plant closed. He also owned and operated a small general farm, primarily growing crops. After IH, he worked for Asphalt Paving, later known as API, until 1995.

On August 27, 2020, he married Marion Elizabeth McEachen Smith. They split the year living in Columbia City and Tucson, AZ. In his retirement years, he enjoyed playing shuffleboard and pitching horseshoes. He took pleasure in a spirited game of euchre and reminiscing about his military service. Throughout his life, he liked to fish.

He was a former member of the Thorncreek Bethel Church of God, where he served on the church board. More recently, he attended the St. Matthews Community Church. He was a member of the American Legion Post 98 and the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association.

Surviving is his wife, Marion; a daughter, Dawn (Billy) Tilkins of Garrett; grandchildren, Kimberly (Kalor) Campbell and Jonathon Tilkins; great-grandchildren, Alexis Curry, Sophia Campbell, and Gage Campbell; a brother, Ronald Pulley of Columbia City and a sister, Norma Lahr of Tucson, AZ.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by brothers Homer, Harold, and Howard Pulley and a sister, Jennie Weber.

The funeral service is at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the Blue River Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Charles' honor are to the St. Matthews Community Church or Cultivate Church of LaOtto Food Pantry.