Joseph L Hare

Joseph L. Hare, age 88, of Columbia City, IN, passed away on Friday September 21, 2018 at his residence. Born on December 6, 1929, in North Manchester, IN, he was the son of Orda and Dorothy (Baker) Hare.

Joe attended North Manchester Schools, then moved to Columbia City in 1944. At age 14, he got a job after school and on weekends at Kroger and later became store manager at Garrett and Bluffton stores. Joe graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1947, then proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953. He was a member of and past commander of the American Legion Post #98 and a lifetime member of VFW Post #5582 in Columbia City. Joseph was the owner and operator of Kwik Mart, Tri Lakes Beechwood Inn, Gas & Bait Store, Tri Lakes drive-in and Tri-Lakes Kwik Mart for over 30 years. He also worked at King Foods until his retirement in 1993.

Survivors include his companion of 47 years, Alberta Nichols of Columbia City; daughters Debra (Glen Neal) Stoppenhagen, of Churubusco, Diana (Tom) Altemus, and Sally (Jay) Baldridge, Darla (Chris) Briggs, all of Columbia City, Debbie (Rick) Seymour of Colorado, Annette (Jeff) Walters of Warsaw, and Sherrie (Bill) Gipson of Arkansas; 21 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; siblings Bill (Betty) Hare of Columbia City and Patricia "Tish" (Bob) Allen of Murfreesboro, TN. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Bonnie Jones, brother Ted Hare, and granddaughter Regan Stoppenhagen.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday October 5, 2018 at Nolt Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorial contributions in memory of Joseph may be made to the Honor Flight. Arrangements by DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send the family a condolence.