J. Richard CIRA

J.RICHARD "DICK" CIRA, 83, of Columbia City, passed away at his residence with his loving family surrounding him at 4:35 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013. He was born on Jan. 8, 1930 in South Bend, the son of Don L. and Alice Marie (Hickling) Cira.

He was raised in South Bend and graduated from South Bend Riley High School with the Class of 1948. He then graduated from Hanover College, Hanover, Ind. with a B.S. in Education and received his Master's at Ball State and St. Francis Universities in Guidance and Administration. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War from 1951 to 1954.

He married Eileen E. Stephens on Dec. 14, 1956 in New Carlisle.

Dick worked at R.C.A. in Indianapolis and then for Tyler Refrigeration, Niles, Mich. before he started his career in teaching. He taught in Mooresville, Columbia City High School, where he coached football, Fort Wayne Community Schools and lastly retired as Principal at Coesse Elementary. After his retirement, he owned and operated Cira's Sport World in Columbia City and worked many years as an associate and delivery person for N.A.P.A., Columbia City. His memberships include Columbia City United Methodist Church, Beta Theta Pi Fraternity and Varsity "H" Club both at Hanover College, Columbia City Kiwanis Club and Columbia City American Legion Post #98.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Eileen Cira of Columbia City; three children, Tamera S. (Mark) Parker and Jodie Lynn (Craig) Asplund both of Columbia City, and Michael R. (Laura) Cira of Granger; six grandchildren, Adam (Kim) Parker, Aaron (Meghan) Parker, Andrew Parker, Alex Parker, Dayne Asplund, Jacob and Jordan Cira; three great-grandchildren, Allison, Madison and Hayden Parker. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City. Pastor David Arnold and Kent Lundy officiating. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013 at the funeral home. Committal services and graveside military rites will be conducted by the Korean War Veteran's Honor Guard at South Park Annex Cemetery. Memorial bequest may be given in Mr. Cira's memory to Columbia City United Methodist Church Youth and Bus Ministry. For additional information and to sign the guest register please log onto www.demoneygrimes.com

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Aug. 19, 2013.

06/21/2023 EJS

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