Thomas "Eldon" Dice Obituary (1940 - 2021)

Thomas "Eldon" Dice, 80, of Fort Wayne, passed away on March 1, 2021, at his home. Born in Allen County, on September 20, 1940, to the late Howard and Jessie (Ott) Dice. He spent his formative years in rural Huntertown, graduating from Huntertown High School in 1958. Eldon was married to Barbara Balliet in Huntertown, on June 10, 1961. He worked as a brick mason for over 40 years. After his retirement he was a driver for DART (Dekalb Area Rural Transit) for more than 8 years. While driving, he enjoyed talking with his passengers and using his wooden train whistle for the kids. He was a friend to all he met, "Eldon epitomized his often used phrase of 'good people.'" Eldon was a standout basketball player while in high school and continued to play into his 40's. He loved IU Basketball. His true passion was his family. He and Barbara enjoyed traveling to watch their grandchildren's school activities. He attended the Churubusco United Methodist Church and participated in the Food Giveaway Ministry. Eldon is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara Dice; his two sons, Brent (Laura Grindean) Dice and Barry (Jennie) Dice; his two daughters, Denise Rager and Dawn Dice (Todd) Renner; a sister-in-law, Gorgean Dice; 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Dice and Jessie Dice - Johnson; two brothers, Keith Dice and Paul Dice; two sisters, Martha Doster and L. Darlene Smith. Services will take place at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Huntertown Chapel on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., with calling one hour prior to the service. The service will be live streamed on our Facebook Live. Family will also receive friends at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Huntertown Chapel, on Friday, March 5, 2021, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Eel River Cemetery, Allen County. Memorials to the Churubusco United Methodist Church Food Giveaway. Online note to the family at www.sheetsandchilds.com.