Kim LeRoy Hearld, 67, of rural Columbia City, passed away at 12:11 p.m. Monday, January 15, 2024, at Parkview Randallia, Fort Wayne.

Born on January 18, 1956, in Columbia City, Indiana, he was a son of Virgil Robert "Bob" Hearld, Jr. and Pauline Kay (Richards) Hearld. Growing up in Smith Twp., he attended Churubusco High School.

He went to work for PTG/Coupled Products in Columbia City, becoming a career-long maintenance mechanic and held an electrician certificate. He retired with 47 years of service.

He purchased his parents' home in Smith Twp. and lived his entire life at that location. Fond of the outdoors, he enjoyed hunting and fishing or just enjoying his country home bantering with friends and sharing a cold beverage. He was a member of the Whitley County Coon Hunters Club and the American Legion Post 98, Columbia City.

A family man, he loved his children and grandchildren and deeply respected his mom. Partial to dogs, any stray that came to his home was welcome and fed. He held a special place in his heart for his dogs through the years, Max, Sarge, and most recently, Buddy.

He is survived by his children, Travis (Deborah) Hearld of Columbus, OH, Star Hearld, Kellie "Ed" Hearld, and Erika "Blonde" Hearld all of Columbia City; parents Bob and Kay Hearld of Columbia City; grandchildren and their nicknames, Luca Hearld, Jerome "Boy" Choinski, Andrea "Scoot" Hearld, Richard "Boy" Brown III, Bralynn "Squirrel" Leazier, Mason "ol Boy" Hearld, Adriannah "My Little Iraqi" Hearld, Sammy Hearld, Kyson & Kayne "Hi Boys" Carpenter, Amiriannah "My Little Non-Caucasian" Hearld and Kelly "Boy" Hearld; and sisters, Marjorie "Chris" (Delbert Smith) Krider of Albion and Roberta "Girl"  (Gary Deel) Cody of Auburn; and his best friend (he called him "brother") Gary Cody.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Timothy Robert Hearld.

The funeral service is at 3 p.m. Friday (January 26th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the Adams Cemetery. Visitation is from 1 p.m. until the service Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Kim's honor are to final expenses c/o Smith & Sons Funeral Home.