Ralph Eugene Carney , 100, of rural Columbia City, passed away at 11:25 a.m. Sunday, November 10, 2024, at The Waters, Columbia City.

He was born on April 13, 1924, in Portland, Indiana, a son of the late Cary D. and Grace G. (Dunno) Carney.  Growing up on a farm in Washington Twp., Whitley County, he attended Washington Center School.

On April 5, 1943, he was inducted into the U.S. Army.  After training at Camp Perry, Ohio as a truck driver and mechanic, he served in the European Theater.  He participated in the battles of Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe.  He received the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with five bronze stars, an American Theater Ribbon, and a Good Conduct Ribbon.  He was honorably discharged on December 23, 1945.

Returning to the area, he went to work for the S.S. Kresge Company, better known as K-Mart, Fort Wayne, in 1946.  He became a warehouse manager working for 36 years.  He retired in 1982.

On August 23, 1952, he married Rosemary E. Egner.  They made their home in Columbia Twp., raising two children.  Rosemary died on July 5, 2019.

Outside of work, Ralph liked to relax at home.  He enjoyed caring for his property, mowing the grass, and keeping the drives clear of snow in the winter.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 98, Columbia City.

He is survived by a son, Jackie Carney of Columbia City, and a daughter, Linda (Raymond) Carney-Benoit of Fort Myers, FL; a grandchild, Ian C. (Dinah) Carney of Las Vegas, NV; three great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Travis Benoit, a brother, Joseph E. Carney, and his wife, Donna (Wolfe) Carney, and two nieces.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Stough Cemetery, Etna Road, and 50W, Columbia City, on Tuesday (November 19th).  Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Memorials in Ralph's honor are to American Legion Post 98.