Kenneth John Lude,79, of Columbia City, died peacefully at 12:07 p.m. Friday, September 2, 2022, at Miller's Merry Manor, Columbia City.

Born on July 30, 1943, in Bluffton, IN, he was a son of the late John George Lude and Nina Maxine (Wolf) Lude. Growing up in Fort Wayne, he attended Elmhurst High School. Joining the U.S. Navy, he served aboard a ship off the coast of Vietnam. During his military service, he earned his GED.

Returning to the area, he married Susanna M. Rogers on December 17, 1966. They made their home in Fort Wayne. In 1978, the couple moved to Columbia City.

Graduating from the Midwestern College of Electronics after his military service, Ken began a career in office equipment repair. He worked for Wright-Moore Office Equipment and Ikon Office Solutions, Fort Wayne, specializing in copy machines.

An active member of the Columbia City Church of the Nazarene, he taught Sunday School for a number of years and was a member of the Sunday School Board.

An accomplished woodworker, he made gifts of furniture, bowls, and toys for his children and grandkids. One of his prized pieces is a carving of Grizzly Adams. Staying active throughout his life, he participated in area 5K races in his retirement, earning a tee shirt and bragging rights. Pushing his endurance, he completed the annual Columbia City Veteran's Half-Marathon with his son by his side. In his quiet time, he studied the Bible, read Christian books, and enjoyed a good western novel.

Surviving is his loving wife of 55 years, Susanna; children, Kerry D. (Brenda) Lude of Cincinnati, Karen (Mark) Davison of Columbia City, Kirk E. (Marilyn) Lude of Columbia City, and Kristin E. (Jesse) Pennington of Fort Wayne; 16 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a brother, William (Kathy) Lude of Columbia City and a sister, Melanie Lambert of New Paris, OH.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Arthur Lude.

The funeral service is 11 a.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial is at a later date at the South Park Annex Cemetery.

Preferred memorials in Ken's honor are the Columbia City Church of the Nazarene.

This service will be live-streamed via our Facebook page.