Donald W. Backofen

DONALD W. BACKOFEN, 90, of Fort Wayne, died Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008, at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home. Born May 15, 1918, of Fort Wayne, he served in the Army during World War II. He retired as buyer form Hunter's Womens store and had previously been buyer for Wolf & Dessauer department store. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church where he served on the finance committee for over 45 years; American Legion Post 296; active in AARP at the local, district and state levels, serving as President of the local Chapter, District Director and State Chairman; involved in the promotion of AARP's Comprehensive Health Care Reform; awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, in 2004; served as an advisor for JA for many years; helped organize the TRAID program; served on the Mayor's Senior Advisory Council for many years.; and organized the Senior Fair in Fort Wayne. Surviving are his wife, Antoinette M.; sons, Charles W. (Mary) Backofen of Morgantown, Ind. and Thomas M. (Lynn) Backofen of Orland Park, Ill.; grandchildren, Lora (Tim) Powers and Marc (Trica) Backofen; great-grandsons, Jack and Owen Backofen; and sister-in-law, Donna Backofen of Indianapolis. He was preceded in death by a brother, Eugene Backofen. Funeral service is 1:30 p.m. Friday at Lutheran Home Chapel, 6701 S. Anthony Blvd., with visitation one hour prior. The Rev. Greg Smith officiating. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Preferred memorials to Faith Lutheran church or Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home.