Harold B. "Ben" Bilter, 84, of Celina, died at 1:47 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007, at the Gardens of Celina.

He was born Aug. 22, 1922, in Celina, to Charles B. and Vesta E. Miller Bilter. On Feb. 15, 1948, he married Mary Sites, who survives in Celina.

Also surviving are a son, Charles (Kira), Panama; a daughter, Karen (Dale Gann), Mill A., Wash.; a daughter-in-law, Doris, Oswego, Ill.; and nine grandchildren.

Deceased are a son, Bruce; two brothers, Carl and Donald; and two sisters, Naomi Birt and Gladys Sibert.

He retired as a farmer and worked for Central Soya, Decatur, Ind. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving as corporal with the 89th Infantry in Europe with Patton's 3rd Army during World War II. He was a 1940 graduate of Celina High School and a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Hopewell Township, American Legion Post 210 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5713, all of Celina. He also was a member of the 89th Infantry Division Society and the National Rifle Association.

Services are 1 p.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. Debra Domeier officiating. Burial is at Buck Cemetery, Celina, where military rites will be conducted by the American Legion and VFW, both of Celina.

Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Lehman-Hogenkamp-Dzendzel Funeral Home, Celina, and noon-1 p.m. Thursday at the church. The American Legion and VFW will be conducting services at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Condolences can be sent to LHDfuneralhome.com.