El Rey E. Magnus

CROMWELL — El Rey E. Magnus, 83, of Cromwell, died Friday at 3:15 p.m. in Avalon Village in Ligonier. He had been an area resident for more than 50 years, coming from California. He retired from Pinkerton Security Service in the late 1990s and had also worked as a licensed real estate and insurance agent. Mr. Magnus served his country honorably in the United States Army during World War II. He served as a paratrooper, pathfinder and a glider pilot. He obtained the rank of master sergeant and was instrumental in reconstructing the Japanese government in post-war Japan reporting directly to General McArthur. He was born March 20, 1927, Humbolt County, Calif., to John Y. and June E. (Weeks) Magnus. He married Janice C. Bainbridge on Oct. 26, 1957, and she survives in Cromwell. Also surviving are four sons and three daughters-in-law, Jonathan E. and Martha Magnus of Sugar Land, Texas, James I. Magnus of Goshen, Donald R. and Cecilia Magnus of Nappanee and David A. and Sandra Magnus of Ligonier; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three siblings and a grandson, Jed Magnus who passed away in 2008. S ervices will be Tuesday at 3 p.m. at the Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, with Pastor Gary Lovens of New Heights Baptist Church in Fort Wayne officiating. A private family interment will take place at a later date in Humbolt County, Calif. Military honors will be conducted following the memorial service at the funeral home. Calling will be Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials are to American Legion Post 243, 100 S. Main St., Ligonier, IN 46767.
Yeager Funeral Home in Ligonier is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.yeagerfuneralhome.com.