Dale E. Custer, of Fremont, Ind., formerly of Chesterton, died Dec. 25, 2005 at his home in Fremont. He was 78.

He was born Nov. 21, 1927 in Gary, the son of George A. and Edrie M. (Thurston) Custer, both of whom preceded him in death.

On Oct. 14, 1995 in Coldwater, Mich., he married Judy E. Sherburne, who survives in Fremont.

He is also survived by three daughters, Gayle (Mark) Dickinson of Chesterton, Marilyn (Patrick) Custer-Mitchell of Painted Post, N.Y. and Diane (Tom) Hyatte of Wilton, Conn.; a son Jeff (Robin) Custer of Cedarburg, Wis.; a step-daughter, Robin Tompkins of Jenison, Mich.; a step-son, Brent (Melissa) Tompkins of Oxford, Mich.; nine grandchildren, two brothers, Alton (Laurie) Custer of Valparaiso and Thurston (Valerie) Custer of Trinity, Fla. and former wife, Janice Custer of Chesterton.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Tom Custer.

Dale was a retired attorney and partner in the law firm of Stultz, Custer, Kutansky and McLean of Gary. He was a graduate of Horace Mann High School of Gary, a graduate of Indiana University and Indiana University Law School. He was a WWII Army Veteran. He was Past President of Parents Without Partners of Porter County and former member of the Indiana Bar Assn. His hobbies included reading movies, fishing, dancing and traveling.

A memorial service, Rev. Cynthia Skutar officiating, will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 29 at Coldwater United Methodist Church, 26 Marshall St., Coldwater, Mich.

Visitation will be one hour prior to service (10 a.m.-11 a.m.) Thursday at Coldwater United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to Cameron Home Health and Hospice or the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Beams Funeral Home of Fremont, Ind. 260/495-2915.

Posted 12/27/2005