Bradley L. Whiteleather

Someone that was very caring, made light of things, made people laugh, enjoyed being around family and friends, and did crazy things to make others smile are just a few ways to describe Brad Whiteleather.
A few historical events in 1953 were the first Polio vaccine was developed, the first James Bond novel was published, the New York Yankees won their fifth World Series in a row, the first Corvette car went on sale, and on December 3, 1953 Dean and Ardith Whiteleather welcomed the birth of their son, Bradley Lee Whiteleather, in Whitley County, Indiana. He was the second of four children in the family, with Rick ahead and Neil and Janne that followed him in order.

As a boy and a young man Brad played a lot of baseball, went hunting and fishing frequently with his dad, and enjoyed being with his family.
Brad attended Columbia City Joint High School and graduated with the Class of 1972. He then proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. He loved his time in Japan, the Phillippines, and California.
After returning home from the service Brad worked at Buchanan Automotive, where he developed such a close bond with his coworkers they became family as well. Following that he went to work in building maintenance for the National Guard Armory.
Brad met Christine Andorfer through mutual friends. The couple were soon engaged and married on November 8, 1980 at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church.
They welcomed their son Ryan on May 19, 1990 and their daughter Emily on March 28, 1996 and they couldn't have been more proud parents!

Great memories traveling included fishing trips to Wisconsin, MIchigan, and Kentucky, as well as several vacation trips to Florida.
Brad helped his mom and dad in the garden as a kid. As time went on, his family also joined in helping him continue that tradition. Keeping his yard well maintained and landscaped were additional ways Brad kept busy. In addition to hunting and fishing with family and friends, Brad loved to not only watch, but also help better his kids playing basketball at home and at the YMCA. Lots of time having fun was quite important to Brad being a great dad.

When it came to watching other sports Brad's favorite teams included the New York Yankees for baseball and I.U. Hoosier Basketball. He also worked in some time to watch car shows, CNN, Fox News, and M.A.S.H., which was his favorite to watch on television. Any kind of music might be dialed in on Brad's radio, but usually it was country or rock & roll.
Any kind of war movie with "blood & guts", such as Die Hard were definitely list toppers, according to Brad.
One daily reading activity Brad always managed to find time for in his busy schedule was reading the newspaper. Brad will always be remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Bradley L. "Brad" Whiteleather, age 65, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 3:28 am on Monday June 10, 2019 at Visiting Nurse Hospice Home, Fort Wayne.
Survivors include his loving wife Christine of Columbia City; children Emily Whiteleather and Ryan Whiteleather, both of Columbia City; brothers Rick (Sandy) Whiteleather of Columbia City and Neil Whiteleather of Prestonsburg, KY.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Janne Whiteleather
Friends may call from 2-4 & 6-8 pm on Thursday June 13, 2019 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.
Funeral services for Brad will be held at 10:00 am on Friday June 14, 2019 at the funeral home.
Burial will follow in Greenhill Cemetery, Columbia City.
Memorial contributions in memory of Brad may be made to Toys for Tots or Donor's Choice.
Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send the family an online condolence.