COLUMBUS
Eddie Yeley, age 89, of Columbus went peacefully home to Jesus at his residence on Sunday, September 18, 2022.
Eddie was born on May 12, 1933 to the late Edgar and Elsie Yeley (Khune) in Columbus, Indiana. He married the love of his life, Dixie Eddleman Yeley on September 15, 1962 and they are now reunited together in Heaven.
Eddie is survived by his children Craig (Cathy) Yeley, Steve (Melissa) Yeley and Shari (Jody) Wendel, along with grandchildren Jessica (Nick) Tuttle, Dylan (Stacy) Yeley, Miranda (Kyle) Whipker, Drew (Taylor) Yeley, Ethan (Rachel) Yeley, Sydney (Joel) Donnell, Avery Wendel, Victoria (Brandon) Phillips and Luke Weber along with great-grandchildren Carter and Charlotte Tuttle, Alice Yeley, Kaden Whipker, Grayson Phillips, Lane Donnell and a unborn great-grandson due in January.
Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar Yeley and Elsie Yeley Khune; wife, Dixie Yeley on November 23, 2011 and an infant son, Michael W. Yeley.
Eddie was a graduate of Columbus High School where he was an accomplished athlete. He played football and was captain of the basketball and track team his senior year. He had the fastest 100-yard dash his senior year and received a full ride scholarship to Indiana University. After one year, Eddie had a strong desire to serve his country so he left I.U. and enlisted in the United States Army in March of 1954 and was stationed in Germany during his tenure. Since the inception of Columbus High School in the late 1800’s Ed has more or as many athletic letters as any other athlete from 1800 to 1952. Eddie was previously employed at Cummins Engine Company and retired from the Columbus Police Department after 35 years, serving 28 years as a juvenile officer. Eddie had many hobbies but mostly enjoyed spending time with his family, vacations, Columbus North sporting events, Colts, Reds and Indiana University. Eddie and Dixie where proud members of East Columbus Christian Church.
He deeply cared about his co-workers and the lives he impacted over the years and has maintained close personal relationships with many retired officers and is still an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police.
Eddie was a devoted Christian who spent countless hours of worship and service at East Columbus Christian Church. Some of his fondest memories were visiting the church and school offices often with donuts and office chats. He was also a sports enthusiast who loved IU Basketball and any kind of sporting event involving his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Eddie’s family was his greatest accomplishment and he lived his life with them at the forefront of all he did and loved them fiercely. He was a devoted son, husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa and anyone and everyone he ever met called him “friend”. Aside from his family, he leaves behind many special friends he shared time with during his daily breakfasts and lunches with buddies or his friends at church. His family and closest friends will definitely miss his daily “drive by route” to make sure everyone’s homes were safe:) He will be sadly missed but forever remembered in our hearts and memories.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, September 23, 2022 at East Columbus Christian Church, 3170 Indiana Ave., Columbus, IN 47201 with Ron Bridgewater officiating and Law Enforcement Honors. Calling will be from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, September 22, 2022 at the church and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Eddie will be laid to rest beside his wife Dixie, at Garland Brook Cemetery.
Memorial donations in memory of Eddie can be made to Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana, Columbus Christian School or the Fraternal Order of Police through the funeral home.
Arrangements were entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.
