VICTOR W. POST

VICTOR W. POST, 87, of Jensen Beach, Fla., and Rochester, Ind., formerly of Fort Wayne, passed away Sunday, March 12, 2023. Vic was known for his contagious laugh and smile, and his joyful spirit. He was a man of honor and integrity who loved his family and friends, his country and the Lord. Vic was born April 13, 1935 in Jay County, Ind. and was a son of John and Agnes (Schroer) Post. After graduating from Bryant High School in 1953, he joined the Indiana Air National Guard 122nd Tactical Fighter Wing at then Baer Field and began his distinguished 43-year military career. A veteran of the Berlin Crisis, he logged over 5600 hours of flight time and graduated from the U.S. Air Force Non-Commissioned Officers Academy. He was recognized as being in the top one percent of aircraft crew chiefs, achieved numerous honors, including the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash from Governor Evan Bayh, and retired as Chief Master Sergeant and Senior Enlisted Advisor. In that position, Vic was the highest ranking enlisted member for the state of Indiana. After retirement, Vic and Eileen moved to Nettles Island, Fla., where they expanded their large circle of friends. Vic continued to thrive in his second career as a realtor, serving his clients well for nearly 20 years. Surviving are his wife, Shelbie, with whom he recently celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary; four children, Victoria (Drake) Hogestyn, Peggy (Jim) Warner, David (Lisa) Post, and Mike (Michael Nelaborige) Post; grandchildren, Rachael Morton, Ben (Danica) Hogestyn, Whitney (Tommy) Herndon, Alex (Chris) Corwin, Rya Morgan Atkeson Wheeler, Tighe (Rachel) Warner, Brittny (Kenton) Hilbish, Brian Post, Jonathan Post, Cort (Kathleen) Post, Arlee Post, Zach Post, and Kailee (Favi) Gonzalez; honorary grandson, Lucas Ankenbruck; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Agnes Ording; sister-in-law, Joyce Chamness Dunkle; and cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. Also surviving are Shelbie's four children, Kevin (Georgetta) Livengood, Kim (Ron) York, Karla (Mike) Hack, and Kraig (Dara) Livengood; six grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Vic was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Eileen; grandson, Oliver; six sisters, two brothers, and several brothers-in-law. Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Friday, March 24, 2023, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 2304 Lower Huntington Road, Fort Wayne (IN 46809), with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, 6424 Winchester Road, Fort Wayne (IN 46819), with a Rosary service beginning at 1:30 p.m. The Mass can also be viewed on the funeral home Facebook page. Burial to follow the service at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne or Masses in honor of Victor Post at St. Therese Catholic Church. A special thanks to the caring staff of Peabody Rehabilitation and Retirement Community in North Manchester, Heart to Heart Hospice, Dukes Memorial Hospital in Peru, and Lutheran Rehabilitation Hospital and Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Condolences can be left online at www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com