Paul E. Bollenbacher, age 78, of rural Rockford (Chattanooga), passed away at 6:20 A.M., Thursday, July 28, 2016 at the Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.

Born July 21, 1938 in Chattanooga, he was the son of the late Herbert F. & Esta E. (Wendel) Bollenbacher. Paul married Mary Lee (Weitz) on Oct. 2, 1960, and she preceded him in death on June 21, 1996.

He is survived by their four Children: Todd Bollenbacher of Chattanooga, Mike (Kathleen) Bollenbacher of Willshire, Mark Bollenbacher of Decatur, IN and Jill (Randy) Thomas of Celina, seven Grandchildren: Joseph Bollenbacher, Joshua Bollenbacher, Caitlin Olsen, Michelle Thomas, Emily Bollenbacher, Isaac Myer, and India Bollenbacher, and ten Great-Grandchildren. Also surviving are his Brothers-in-law & Sisters-in-law: Donald Weitz of Macon, GA, Jane Young of Dade City, FL, Judy (Dave) Horne of Celina and Susan (Bob) Smalley of Rockford.

He was preceded in death by a Grandson, Jonathon Lee Thomas.

Paul was a graduate of Willshire High School. He had worked for many years at International Harvester/Navistar in Fort Wayne, then transferred to the Springfield plant until his retirement.

He was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Rockford, and had been a member of the Mercer County Harness Horseman's Assn. An avid sports fan, Paul loved horse races, watching all types of sports, fishing and hunting.

Visitation will be at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Rockford, on Monday, August 1, from 2:00-4:00 P.M., with the Funeral Service to begin at 4:00 P.M., with Pastor Mark Rutledge officiating. Burial will follow at the Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Ft. Wayne or St. Paul's United Church of Christ.

Arrangements are being handled by W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home, Celina.

Condolences may be expressed at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.