COLUMBUS
Paul Edward “Ed” Conlin, age 87, of Columbus, passed away peacefully with family at his side at Silver Oaks Health Campus on Friday, March 16, 2018.
Ed was born on April 21st 1930 in Arthur, Illinois, to John Paul and Freda Edmiston Conlin. The family moved to Columbus in 1932. He was a member of St. Bartholomew where he attended grade school and served as an altar boy.
He graduated from Columbus High School in 1948. During high school he worked for the White House Department Store. After graduation he enlisted in the US Air Force. He served two tours of duty, one of which was in Japan, and six years as a reserve. Upon returning home from duty, he met Ardeth Carey; they were married on May 21, 1955 in Muskegon, Michigan.
After returning to Columbus he worked for Columbus Auto for 20 years, first commuting to Seymour and then later working in the Columbus store. He then worked for Snider Automotive on Jackson Street as a sales manager for the next 20 years. He then moved to Hoosier Parts for the next 20 years where his sales territory included all of southern Indiana and part of northern Kentucky. He finished his career working part time for the Columbus NAPA Store.
He was a very involved father, serving as coach or assistant for many of his son’s ball teams. He was part of the sideline chain gang for the Columbus North High School football games for many years. He was a sports fan through and through. He was the ultimate Chicago Cubs fan like his father and grandfather before him. One of the highlights of his life was when the Cubs won the World Series in 2016. He was also a devoted fan of IU basketball, Chicago Bears football and NASCAR.
He was an avid gardener who planted a large garden every year, always in search of the perfect tomato. His interest in genealogy had allowed him to trace his Irish lineage back to County Clare, Ireland to the early 1800’s. He had recently found and visited the graves of his ancestors back four generations.
He had attended Petersville United Methodist Church for many years, serving as head usher, member of the Methodist Men and turkey carver and dishwasher for the annual turkey supper. He was also the salad maker for the many spaghetti lunches.
He knew every good restaurant and back road in southern Indiana. His favorite place to eat was Shapiro’s Deli in Indianapolis, always stopping in to eat if he was within 30 miles.
He and wife Ardie were members of a close group of friends who for forty years vacationed together, celebrated birthdays and special occasions, shared meals and laughs and many fun times together. He was known for his kind and gentle nature.
He was loved and will be missed by many.
He is survived by his children, Kathi (Jim) Hall of Carmel, Mark (Julia) of Bloomington, Greg of Columbus, Steve (Julie) of Coatesville, Chris (Stacey) of Bloomington; Grandchildren, Emily Hall, Matt (Amanda) Hall, Kelly Conlin, Jensen Conlin, Noah and Liam Conlin, and one great-grandchild to arrive in August; One Sister, Janet Powell of Cincinnati and one brother, Tom (Rosalie) of Indianapolis. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Ardeth, in 2011; his parents; and sisters, Jean and Judith.
The service will be held at Jewell-Rittman Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 22, 2018, with a visitation time from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, and one hour prior to the service Thursday. The service will be presided over by Pastor Stormy Scherer-Berry. Burial will be at Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery. A Military Graveside service will be performed by the Bartholomew County Veteran’s Honor Guard.
If desired, donations can be made in his memory to Petersville United Methodist Church, 2781 N. 500 E., Columbus, IN 47203.
The family would like to thank the nursing staff on the assisted living wing at Silver Oaks Health Campus – they loved Paul and took care of him like he was their own father. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
