Charles Edward Kissell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, and stalwart member of the Leo and Grabill, Indiana community, passed away on February 12th at the age of 96. Ed, as he was known to friends, was born January 26, 1926 on a farm in Columbia City, Indiana to Lura and Edward Kissell.
He will be remembered as a man of Faith, Family, Community and Service.
Upon graduation from Arcola High School in 1944, Ed enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the European theater within Patton’s 3rd Army. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Victory Medal for his service in World War II.
When the Korean conflict began, Ed was called up from the Army Reserve to fight in the Korean War and was discharged in 1951. He was awarded the Bronze Service Star. In 2011 he was invited by the South Korean government to be honored for the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War. With his son Dan at his side, he was able to attend this momentous event in Seoul.
In 1951 Ed returned home to marry Gladys Collins. He and Gladys raised their three boys: David, Jeff, and Daniel. Ed became a machinist and worked for and retired from Rea Magnet Wire in Fort Wayne. Blessed with an innate ability to engineer, operate, and fix machinery, his work ethic kept him in at least two part time jobs in the Leo/Grabill area, until he was 92. He also, after being discharged from service, went to flight school and became a pilot.
Ed served as a steadfast pillar of his church community. He was a founder of the Cedar Creek Church of Christ in Leo, IN and spent decades in church leadership. An Elder of the church, Ed and Gladys attended and served the church and its members in a variety of roles for over 40 years. Ed’s many loved ones testify to his friendliness and exceptional wit, sharply present even in his last days. His sense of duty and integrity inspired everyone who knew him, and he was unwaveringly faithful to those he loved. Ed had “big shoulders” - he was reliable, ready to help or send up prayers, whether for a member of his family, church, community, the Lion’s Club, or his many friends. Ed was warm and welcoming and all could vouch for the healing properties of his bear hugs. He took endless pride and joy in each of his grandchildren and his great-grandson and they each felt his unconditional love and support.
Ed is survived by his wife of 71 years, Gladys Kissell of Fort Worth, Texas; sons, David (Katy), Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Jeff (Starr) of Fort Worth, Texas; and Daniel (Sharon) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Sister, Janice Rodgers of Fort Wayne, Indiana; grandchildren, Chris Kissell, Andy Kissell, Juliann Kissell, Cara Ristau (née Kissell), and Emma Kissell; and great grandson Aldon Kissell. He will forever be in our hearts.
There will be an open house held on Saturday, February 26th from 3:00-4:30pm at the Cedar Creek Church of Christ,12606 Leo Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Ed’s private burial will be at Highland Park Cemetery in Fort Wayne. In lieu of flowers, the family’s request is that donations be made to the Cedar Creek Church of Christ or Boys Town.
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