COLUMBUS
Charles Thomas Surber, 83, of Columbus, passed away Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at Traditions of Columbus. Charles was born in Austin, IN on September 25, 1938 to Bruce and Agnes Surber. During his childhood and youth, Charles was raised by Max and Cleona Surber. He married Dorothy Ann Abner on April 1, 1961.
Charles proudly served in the United States Coast Guard and the Indiana National Guard. He retired from Cummins Engine Company after 33 years of service. After retirement from Cummins, he worked in farming, landscaping and excavating for more than 10 years. Charles was an active member of Memorial Baptist Church serving in many capacities for over 55 years. He was a man that worked hard and played hard with an infectious smile. He never turned away a friend in need or giving a hand to a complete stranger. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing softball on his Cummins Softball Team.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 6, 2022 at Memorial Baptist Church, 2320 7th St., Columbus, IN 47201 with Rev. Kristi Jones officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard. Calling hours will be from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Friday, August 5, 2022 at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Private entombment will take place at Garland Brook Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, family request memorial contributions may be made to Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne (Put in memo line, Emily Settle Fund) 555 E. Wayne St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802 or through the funeral home.
Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Ann Surber; daughters, Tammy (Bryan) Hanner of Columbus, IN, and Sandy (Mike) Settle of Westfield, IN; grandchildren, Jeremiah Hanner, Cameron Hanner and Paige (Tristan) Palmer; brother, David Gray of Deputy, IN; sisters, Priscilla Sebastian of Scottsburg, IN and Claudette Wooten of Austin, IN.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bruce Surber; mother, Agnes Gray; granddaughter, Emily Settle; and brother, Bruce Surber Jr.
