Jack Clayton Eber, 80, of Columbia City, died peacefully at 5:20 p.m. Friday, January 7, 2022, in the company of family at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, where he had been a patient since December 26th.

Born on December 9, 1941, in Muncie, Indiana, he was a son of the late Virgil Clayton and Clara Belle (Milligan) Eber. He grew up around Loon Lake and graduated from Larwill High School in 1959.

In 1963, Jack married Susan Ann Frank. They were blessed with three children, Douglas, Dale, and Jacqueline.

He was hired by Weatherhead, Columbia City, in 1962, joining his father and brother, who were also employed there. Working as a machine operator for 35 years, he also served as a union steward. He retired in 1997.

On August 2, 1986, he married Patricia J. Goff. They made their home in Columbia City. Patricia died on February 15, 2018.

He enjoyed golf and bowling in his younger years, participating in the local leagues.  He liked to garden throughout his adult life, taking great pride in his tomatoes.  Preparing for a long-anticipated trip through the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the couple physically conditioned by taking long walks throughout the town.  Following a stroke in 2014, mobility for Jack became an issue.  After Pat's passing, his children presented him with a wheelchair-accessible van and a power chair to keep him mobile.

Over the years, his member included the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Loyal Order of Moose, VFW Auxiliary - Post 5582, and UAW local 2049, all of Columbia City.

Surviving are his children, Doug Clayton (Krista Gilbert) Eber of Columbia City, Dale Scott Eber of Fort Wayne, and Jacqueline Sue (Jason Orr) Eber-Orr of Columbia City, and grandchildren Foster Clayton Eber and Miranda S. Eber.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a sister Nancy Hobbs and a brother Richard Eber.

The funeral service is 3 p.m. Tuesday (January 18th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the South Park Annex Cemetery. Visitation is 1 p.m. until the service Tuesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the Humane Society of Whitley County.