Rene R. Neff

Rene R. Neff, 79, of Goshen, died early Saturday morning, July 14, 2012, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born September 5, 1932 in New Paris to George G. and Mildred C. (Sherman) Neff. He married Sue Lutes July 24, 1955 in New Paris. She survives. Also surviving are a son, Dave (Luann) Neff of Goshen; a daughter, Sheri Miller of Elkhart; two granddaughters, Melony Neff and Rae Ann Miller; and a sister, Thyra Metzler of Bristol. A lifetime area resident, Mr. Neff graduated from New Paris High School in 1950 and Purdue University in 1954, majoring in agricultural economics. He served in the Army for two years. He was President of the Board of Directors of Fairlawn Farms, south of Goshen, where he farmed with Phil Neff for 13 years. After that, he served as the Elkhart County executive director of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (now Farm Services Agency) from 1970 until his retirement in 1994. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and a past member of St. Marks United Methodist Church, both of Goshen. A longtime member of the Rotary Club of Goshen, he also served on the County Extension Board for 9 years; Goshen Community School Board for 12 years; and Spring Brooke Board of Directors. He was a member of the Interra Credit Union Board for 30 years and the New Paris Telephone Board of Directors for 48 years. He was an Elkhart Township volunteer firefighter for 17 years. He was on numerous church committees. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, July 16 and an hour prior to the 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 17, 2012, funeral service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Pastors Ed and Brenda Fritz, First United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will follow in Violett Cemetery, Goshen. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Goshen Salvation Army or First United Methodist Church of Goshen.