Russell O. Utley

Russell O. Utley, 96, of Bremen, formerly of Goshen, died Saturday, December 13, 2014 at Bremen Healthcare where he had been a patient since May. He was born October 3, 1918 in Goshen to James H. and Christiana (Haberstich) Utley. On Nov. 14, 1959 he married Mildred Patterson in Sturgis, Mich. She died Nov. 11, 1982. He later married Pauline Daniels in Ligonier on June 19, 1983. She preceded him in death June 28, 2002. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Floyd Utley in June 2004. A WWII United States Army veteran, Mr. Utley served from 1941-1945, with most of his time at Ryukyus in the Philippine Islands. He was awarded the American Defense Service Ribbon; American Theater Ribbon; three Bronze Battle Stars; Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon; Philippine Liberation Ribbon; seven Overseas Service Bars; and one service stripe. After the war he worked at Johnson Controls for 40 years. He then worked at Family Fare and Martin's Supermarket until his retirement in 2010. He was a lifelong member of the V.F.W. Post 985 in Goshen, where he acquired many friends who will miss him. Visitation will be Monday, Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. until the 1 p.m. funeral service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Dan Newcomer and Tina Green will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow at Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, Plymouth.