Elmer J. Phend

Elmer J. Phend, 91, of Goshen, died early Monday evening, August 18, 2008, at his home. He was born in Elkhart, Indiana, on February 9, 1917, to Mose and Fannie (Evans) Phend.  He married Betty Jane Harroff in Kimmell, Indiana, on December 25, 1941.  She survives. A Goshen resident since 1924, Mr. Phend graduated from Goshen High School in 1934 and from Ball State in 1940.  He served in the US Army from 1941 to 1946, serving as a bomb disposal officer in the south Pacific and earning the rank of First Lieutenant.  He taught school in LaGrange County for a year and then worked 12 years for Phend Dairy, which merged with Goshen Farms Dairy.  He also worked for Salem Bank as a Vice-President and Senior Trust Officer for 26 years, until his retirement in 1984. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Goshen; Goshen VFW; Goshen Lion’s Club; Goshen Masonic Lodge; Scottish Rite of South Bend; and served as an Honorary Referee for the Goshen Relays. Mr. Phend is survived by his wife, Betty Jane; two sons, James W. (Susan) Phend of Carmel and John L. “Jack” (Julie) Phend of Naperville, Illinois; two grandchildren, Nicholas Phend and Jennifer Nock; a great-granddaughter, Ella Nock; and a sister, Frances (Stan) Carr of Goshen. He was preceded in death by a brother, James Phend in 1967. Friends may call 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, August 21, and one hour prior to the service on Friday at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. A 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 21, Masonic Service will be conducted at the funeral home. A Friday, August 22, 2008, funeral service will be conducted at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home beginning at 11:00 a.m.  Pastor Alan Griffin of First Presbyterian Church will officiate. A military graveside service and burial will be in Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church.