Justin Rathburn

Justin Jay Leroy Rathburn, 43, of Auburn, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

Justin was born on Nov. 17, 1980, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He graduated from Jay County High School with the class of 1999 and worked as a locomotive conductor/engineer with CSX for 18 years.

Justin's life was characterized by his deep love and devotion to family, his overwhelming desire to help others when he could and his work with the railroad. He was known for loving the simple pleasures in life, such as sitting on the porch, drinking coffee, smoking a good cigar, breakfast at the truck stop, family cookouts, fixing up antique cars, playing cards and taking a stroll down memory lane with his family and friends.

Even as we mourn his loss, we will celebrate a life well lived and a man well loved. We will remember Justin as a happy person with a great sense of humor and always flashing that big, beautiful smile. He was a blessing to this world and lives on in the memories and lives of his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

His family includes:

Parents — Garry Rathburn (deceased) and Tracy and Tim Fifer

Siblings — Erin and Chad Gaskill (Eleanor); Jessica and Greg Sheets (Nathan, Abigail and Luke); Tarra and Joel Hemmelgarn (Naomi and Makayla)

Grandparents — Robert and Ioma Rathburn (both deceased); Dwight and Norma Winemiller (both deceased); and Ernest and Maria Fifer (both deceased)

Aunts and uncles — Jerry and Rita Rathburn (Angie, Kami and April); Larry and Nancy Rathburn (Brad Rathburn: deceased); Gary and Roxana Kuhn (Jenny and Bruce); Mark and Kelley Kuhn (Amy, Tom and Laura); Doug and Cathy Greber (both deceased) (Josh Greber); Ernie and Ruthie Fifer (Marty); Larry Fifer (Ryan, Carrie, Chad, Craig and Melissa) (deceased); and Jon Fifer (deceased)

A celebration of life will be held at the Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center St., in Auburn on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Burial will follow at Gravel Hill Cemetery, 50 West 650 North in Bryant, Indiana.

Condolences may be sent to the family at fellerandclark.com and on our Facebook page at Feller and Clark Funeral Home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Feller and Clark Funeral Home in Auburn.