Charles "Chuck" Bruce

Charles B. Bruce was a loving husband, a dedicated father, and a cherished grandfather. He leaves behind his joy of being in the outdoors, his love for fishing and hunting, and his amazing ability to love. His caring and passionate ways will surely be missed.

The year of 1942 was a busy and historic year for the United States and ultimately the world. Abroad, WWII was in full swing and almost every square inch of the Earth was impacted in some way. Representatives from 26 countries, including America, created The Declaration of the United Nations which meant they pledged their governments to provide maximum war efforts and assured they would not make a separate peace. Closer to home, President Franklin D. Roosevelt assisted in helping lead the United States in rolling up their sleeves to aid the war efforts. Among the many new changes citizens faced, some were lowering the draft age from 21 to 18 years of age, nationwide rationing of many goods, and factories switching from their normal production to making weapons for war use.

The war was a big distraction from many other wonderful historic events. The movie “Casablanca” was released and nominated for 8 Academy awards and walked away with 3 of them including Best Picture. Another moment that made a great historic stride was the first graduating class of African-Americans in a flight-training program - introducing hundreds of Tuskegee Airmen to the U.S. Army. Perhaps the most enjoyed creation of 1942, providing many fond moments in households for years to come, was the release of Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas.” This very song was probably played during an especially memorable holiday season in this special year, as this was the one in which Harold Bruce and Tillie Keck welcomed their son to the world. On October 20th, Charles B. Bruce was born at McCray Hospital in Kendallville, Indiana.

The Bruce family was a busy one, as Charles was one of 5 children. It was a home filled with love, noisy chaos and mostly happy times amongst the ever natural squabbles a family this size always endures. Charles, or Chuck as he was often affectionately called, established most of his lifelong activities at an early age. He spent hours playing outside with both his siblings and many friends. If there was a pond or lake with fish in it, you can bet that Chuck stuck a line in to see what biting luck he might find. He was die hard, even so young, bundling up in the colder days to ice fish as well. His father was a large outdoor sportsman influence, and everything he taught young Charles stuck with him his whole life long. When Chuck was not fishing, he was probably hunting. Of course, as with most kids, school interfered with all the outdoor fun, and so Charles attended Rome City Elementary and High School.

As time progressed, fishing and hunting were still important to him, but so was love. He was lucky enough to find love through a mutual friend’s introduction. His friend asked him, “Would you be willing to go with a girl who is little and a little bit of Spanish?” Chuck agreed that he indeed was willing and then met the woman who would become his wife. Mary E. Delgado turned out to be a full Mexican beauty with whom Chuck happily spent the rest of his life. The couple was married on April 3, 1971 in Rome City, Indiana. It was truly one of the most memorable days of their lives.

The newlyweds stayed local and began a family together. They welcomed five children into their lives which made their family complete. Chuck loved his children and enjoyed spending time with each of them. He shared his love for fishing and hunting, but especially so with his son, Mike. They spent many outings together trying to bring home the perfect buck. Whether it was gun or bow season, Chuck loved to hunt. He was also just as happy when he found an opportunity to talk about hunting or help people with their bows.

Just as in his childhood, Chuck was not always able to hunt and fish. He was a hard worker and dedicated to supporting his family as well. He worked for Harvester (a manufacturing company) for twenty years. Then his life went a different direction, and he took a job working for Tenneco from which he retired.

Chuck and Mary celebrated over 45 years together in this life. They were given the gift of five beautiful grandchildren and endured the loss of one. Chuck celebrated and appreciated his time with each of them learning something new from their youthful perspective.

Chuck’s love for his wife and family, his passion for hunting and fishing, as well as his hardworking attitude will forever be ingrained in his children and grandchildren. He found peace in the outdoors and immense joy with the sport of wildlife. He brought his loved ones happiness and comfort. His good spirit and kindness will never be forgotten. Chuck will be forever missed, but memories of him will stay in our hearts.

Survivors include:

Spouse, Mary E. Bruce of Rome City.

Son, Mike Bruce of Kendallville.

Daugther, Lori Bruce of Albion.

Son, Chuck Jr. and Michael Bruce of Indianapolis.

Daugther, Vicki and Larry Bruce-Hansen of Indianapolis.

Daugther, Christina Talon of Colorado.

4 Grandchildren, Kendrick Hoskins, Elissa Mandeville, Trey Bruce, and Tyler Bruce.

Brother, Harold Lee Bruce of Wolcottville.

Brother, George and Joni Bruce of Florida.

Chuck was preceded in death by his sisters; Marilyn Mills and Judy Powell, and a granddaughter; Kailee Patrick.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 6, 2017 from 3:00-7:00pm at Hite Funeral Home, 403 South Main Street Kendallville, Indiana 46755.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesaday, March 7, 2017 at 11:00am at Hite Funeral Home.

Burial will take place at Orange Cemetery in Rome City.

Officiating the funeral service will be Pastor Mike Wakeland.

Memorial donations may be directed to Lutheran Life Villages and or Parkview Hospice.

Send a condolence to the family at www.hitefuneralhome.com or find us on www.facebook.com

Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home of Kendallville.