Kermit R. Eby Jr.

1931 - 2010
MISHAWAKA - Kermit, of Mishawaka, was born Aug. 6, 1931, in Elkhart, Ind., while his father was pursuing his teaching and academic career. Kermit attended Wakarusa High School, and then graduated from South Shore High School in Chicago in 1949. He attended Manchester College, interrupted by military service in Germany from 1951-1953. This is where he met Ruth Fessele, in Esslingen. They married on Feb. 18, 1954, and returned to Manchester College. Kermit began his teaching career in social studies in Hammond, Indiana, followed by two years of graduate studies at the University of Chicago. He graduated Phi Betta Kappa and took a principal position at Lakewood Elementary School in Park Forest, Illinois. Kermit's career brought him to administrative position in Harvey as an Assistant Superintendent and to DeKalb, Illinois, as the principal of Clinton Rosette Middle School. He pursued his PhD at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (ABD). Returning to South Bend, Indiana, in 1978, he completed his career in the South Bend Public Schools in Special Education in 1994. He continued as a substitute teacher until 2007. Kermit was a civil rights activist in the 1960s, participating in the civil rights movement and equal housing demonstrations of the 1960s with Chicago's leading activists. He pursued educational reform long before it was popular, and was certainly ground-breaking in his vision of a more just and democratic curriculum. Kermit raised his children to be conscientious of their personal responsibility in creating through their work, peace, equality and social justice. Kermit is survived by his wife, Ruth Fessele Eby; his daughters, Bettina (Richard) Cool, Carmel, Lisa (Franc) Ortega, Mission Viejo, Cal.; and his son, Kermit (Stephanie) Eby III, Naperville, Ill.; grandchildren, Marisa and Dominic Ortega, Alyssa and Garrett Cool, and Lauren, Simone, Kaiya, and Ezra Eby; brother, Daniel Eby, Toronto, Canada; and brother-in-law, Bill Baird, Placerville, Cal. Preceding him in death is a sister, Sylvia Baird. Our family is committed to the values of Christian ethics, social justice, and participatory democracy because of Kermit .We believe that we will eventually overcome in the struggle for a new Kingdom. And our faith will be shared by all who welcome this love. Kermit was an "ornery" liberal, unafraid to speak truth to power. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010, in the Crest Manor Church of the Brethren, 1342 Berkshire Drive, South Bend, Indiana. Pastors David Bibbee and Bradley Bohrer will officiate. There will be a time to meet and celebrate Kermit's life during a luncheon following the service. Memorials may be directed to Manchester College, 604 E. College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962. Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen, Indiana is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.rrefh.com.