Dale Eugene Lawrence, 99, of rural Columbia City, passed away at 5:40 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.

Born on February 16, 1927, in Whitley County, Indiana, he was the son of the late Perl K. and Blanche E. (Knight) Lawrence. When he was a child, the family moved from Columbia Twp. to Union Twp. and then to the Harlan–Spencerville area of Allen County, where he completed Egypt Elementary School and graduated from Harlan High School in 1945.

On March 13, 1951, he was inducted into the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on December 12, 1952.

On March 14, 1959, he married Joyce Elaine Wilkinson of South Whitley, whom he met through Rural Youth. They made their home on a farm in Columbia Twp., raising three children.

In addition to grain farming, Dale worked for Tokheim in Fort Wayne, where his experience earned him the position of floater/trainer, filling in wherever needed and training less experienced employees. He retired in 1992, with over 30 years of service.

Always a farmer at heart, even after he started renting out the farm in 1973, he continued to check the rain gauge after every shower. He had to stay busy and did small projects around the property. He was a proud member of the Saturday morning "Liars Club" at Copp Farm Supply, later renamed "The Table of Knowledge." He enjoyed gardening and taking walks around his property. In his senior years, he kept his mind sharp by solving Sudoku puzzles and reading, especially enjoying the works of local author Lloyd C. Douglas. He liked to do woodworking projects with his friends from church and always made time for family. As his wife's health declined, he became her main caregiver until his passing. They enjoyed watching Lawrence Welk and Andy Griffith together.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 67 years, Joyce; children, Bruce Lawrence of Linthicum, MD, Mark (Patricia) Lawrence of Lancaster, PA, and Brenda (Tom) Hession of Carmel; grandchildren, Matthew Lawrence, Jonathan Lawrence, James Hession, and Anna Hession.

He was preceded in death by sisters, Ruth Shultz and Rebekah (Floyd) Pfierman.

The funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 13, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with visitation one hour prior. Burial at the Oak Grove Cemetery will follow. Additional visitation will be Sunday, July 12, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Memorials in Dale's honor are to the Columbia City United Methodist Church, where he was a long-time member.