Donald E. Trainer

Donald E. Trainer, 79, of Goshen, died early Friday morning, May 12, 2006, at Goshen GeneralHospital, following an extended illness.   He was born November 9, 1926, in Springfield, Illinois, to Edward and Elvira (Lewis) Trainer.  On June 20, 1976, he married Charlene R. Knafel Mahler in Ligonier at the TrinityLutheranChurch.  She survives.   A lifelong resident of the area, Mr. Trainer was a truck driver for Zook Trucking, Barler Metal and Rhoades Tree Service.   A U.S. Army veteran, he was a member of the TrinityLutheranChurch, Ligonier; and the American Legion.  He was known as “Sidecar” because he was an avid Gold Wing motorcycle rider.   Mr. Trainer is survived by his wife, Charlene; two daughters, Marieta (Gary) Stopper of South Bend and Beverly Trainer of Elkhart; a step-son, Dale R. (Darlene) Miller of Goshen; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are two sisters, Almeda Clark of Elkhart and Theresa (Clifford) Gunter of Logansport; two brothers, Jarvis (Betty) Trainer of Logansport and Paul Trainer of Mississippi.   He was preceded in death by a son, Donald Trainer; three brothers, infant Charles Leroy, Cecile and Earl Trainer; and a sister, Mary Rucker.   Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 6 to 8, Monday, May 15, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.   A 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 16, 2006, service will be held in Ligonier at the TrinityLutheranChurch.  Rev. Russell Fohrmann will officiate.   Burial will be in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam, Indiana.   Memorial contributions may be given to the TrinityLutheranChurch or to the  Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana.