Larry Wayne Benzinger , 77, of rural Columbia City, died in the company of his daughter at 10 p.m. Friday, June 9, 2023, at Parkview Randallia, Fort Wayne, where he was admitted on Wednesday.

Born at Methodist Hospital (now Parkview) in Fort Wayne, on November 4, 1945, he was a son of the late Erwin F. and Mollie Navada (Barclay) Benzinger. Growing up in Columbia City, he graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1964.

In 1965, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He became a Medical Assistant earning an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification, and a certified scuba diver participating with the NASA space capsule recovery team. He was transferred from active duty to reserve duty on October 15, 1969, and honorably discharged on October 20, 1971.

Returning to the area, he joined the Columbia City Police Department as a patrolman and K-9 officer. In 1977, he went to work for Essex as a truck driver for 24 years. After retiring from truck driving, he found a job at Magic Hills Golf Course that allowed him to work and pursue his passion for golf. He completed his work career driving seniors transit vans for Whitley County Transit.

On December 19, 1990, he married Susan Shoup. They have always lived in rural Columbia City. Susan died on December 20, 2022.

He enjoyed being with people, often gathering with friends at a local restaurant, the VFW, or American Legion. In his fifties, he earned a private airplane pilot's license and had ownership in a private plane, giving rides to family and friends.

Surviving is his daughter, Nicole P. (David) Flora of Columbia City; a grandson, Thomas M. (Carly) DeLaCruz of Columbia City; a great-granddaughter, Hadley DeLaCruz; stepsons, Douglas (Krista) Eber and Dale Eber and stepdaughter, Jacque (Jake) Orr all of Columbia City; and a brother, David (Marge) Benzinger of Wabash.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a sister, Beverly Jones.

The funeral service is 2 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home Columbia City. A private family burial is at the Oak Grove Union Twp Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home and one hour before the service on Wednesday.

Memorials in Larry's honor are to the K9 Unit, Shriner's Hospitals for Children, or Cancer Services of NE Indiana.