Nathan Phenicie

Nathan Phenicie, age 71, of Berne, IN, and formerly of Huntington, IN, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at his residence.

Nathan was born on October 6, 1954, in Bremen, IN, by Dr. Otis Bowen (former Governor of Indiana) to the late James L. and Jean (Orr) Phenicie. James and Jean dedicated him to the Lord and vowed to create a normal life of loving, caring and protecting him until their death.

Nathan is survived by his siblings that loved, cared and protected him; Daniel (Susan) Phenicie, Tipton, IN, James (Rebecca) Phenicie, San Diego, CA, John (Patricia) Phenicie, Mark (Gale) Phenicie, and one sister, Beth (Zis) Phenicie Milentis, all of Fort Wayne, IN.

Nathan was a sweet and gentle child. He had several disabilities that prevented him from living an independent life. With the joy and challenges of a large family he always had someone playing and checking on him. While being somewhat nonverbal he created his own limited language understood by his family.

At a young age Nathan accepted Jesus as his savior. His favorite song was "Thank You Lord". Nathan attended Charity Baptist Church. He was loved by the many people there that made him feel like he was part of their family. He loved the fellowship and enjoyed singing.

Nathan's interests included taking care of his rabbit, Bingo. He was faithful to feed the birds. His bedroom was always spotless. He loved to sweep the floors and help his mother keep the house tidy. He loved to listen to Christian radio; he was often seen attempting to read his bible.

He loved to sweep the sidewalk in front of his house at 1019 N. Jefferson St. Being on the main street many people recognized his hard work and would honk and wave. Still to this day, people ask about him and remember his desire to work hard. He was very diligent, making sure the leaves were always collected in the fall by making sure every leaf was off the ground as well as the last one hanging on the tree.

Nathan had wonderful care from his mother and father. One of his fondest enjoyments was riding along with his father in his little red truck to run errands, often stopping to enjoy a Dairy Queen ice cream cone.

A visit from his siblings, nieces and nephews was always an encouragement to him.

Nathan was one of the first children in Huntington to qualify for the "Education of Mentally Retarded Children Act of 1958". A dear lady, Mary Brennan along with Lola Lee Peters, saw the abilities in many of the children with disabilities. She formed a small private school "The Village" that Nathan attended as a little boy.

As a young teen, Nathan was able to attend and later work at Pathfinders in Huntington. As Nathan became a young adult an opportunity became available for him to go to Shepherds Ministries, Union Grove, Wisconsin (2004-2017). Because of God's care and provision for Nathan, he was able to come back to Indiana and reside at Bi-County Group Home in Berne, IN. (2017-2026). He has experienced an opportunity to explore great events, friends and activities. He has had the highest quality of love, care and protection from the members and staff at Bi-County. They have always sought to do the best they can for the benefit of Nathan. We will always keep them in our thoughts and prayers for the love they showed Nathan.

On March 29, Nathan went to be with Jesus to be free of any pain and suffering. Now in the arms of Jesus and to be finally home with his dad and mom that loved and cared for him.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by an 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service at McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN.

A private family burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Servia, IN.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials are to Bi-County Services in care of McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN 46750.

McElhaney Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN. Online condolences to www.mcelhaneyharOnlinelhome.com