Obituaries, September 12, 2023
John Lindley Rich
John Lindley Rich, 88, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on Friday, September 8, 2023. He was born January 14, 1935 in New London, the son of the late Lowell and Lodema (Kile) Rich. On Thanksgiving Day in 1956, he married Nan (Murray) Rich at New London Friends Church, and she survives.
John was a birth-right member of New London Friends Church and was active in the Christian Endeavor Youth Group. During a revival service in 1953, he accepted Christ as his personal Lord & Savior. John was involved with Monroe Township 4-H Club and showed calves in Howard County’s Fair as well as Forestry and Entomology projects in the county and Indiana State Fairs.
John was a graduate of Western High School. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University, and graduated from Michigan State University, receiving his Master’s degree in Forest Economics. John served in the United States Army from 1958-1960, earning the rank of Specialist 4th class. In 1993, he retired from United States Department of Agriculture- Forest Service, after 36 years of service. He retired as the Director of Planning and Budget, Region 8, which encompasses 13 southern states along with Puerto Rico. During his tenure in Washington, D.C., he worked with Senator Denton (AL) on the Agriculture Bill, keeping him on Capitol Hill during 1985, representing the US Forest Service budget included in that particular bill.
In addition to his wife Nan, John is survived by his daughter, Ellen Larion; son, David Rich; grandchildren, Tony Fugere, Breanne Fugere, Jacob Rich, Matthew Rich, and Hannah Sanders; and great-grandchildren, Bella Fugere, Remy Fugere, Joan Rich, Carson Rich, and Griffin Sanders.
John was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Ronald Rich.
A funeral service will be held at 12 pm Saturday, September 16, 2023, at New London Friends Church, 2104 S 766 W, Russiaville, with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. Burial will follow in New London Friends Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 am until the start of the service Saturday September 16, 2023, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/ways-to-give/, in John’s memory. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Ralph Edward Greer
Ralph Edward Greer, 80, of Kokomo, Indiana went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 10, 2023. He was born August 27, 1943 in Knoxville, TN to the late Howard and Georgia Greer.
Ralph served in the US Army. He was extremely proud of his military background and of his country. He was honored to serve during the passing of President John F. Kennedy.
Ralph retired from the Kokomo Transmission plant where he worked as a devoted employee for over 30 years.
He was a devoted Christian and enjoyed working for New Hope Church which he attended throughout his lifetime.
Ralph kept himself entertained by being outside doing yard work and fishing, as well as doing puzzles. He kept his family entertained by being a witty jokester. Ralph was a passionate person; it didn't matter the subject he stuck to his guns.
Ralph is survived by his children Gregory (Marian) Greer and Kimberly Creasey; grandchildren Emily Greer, Cody Creasey, Mackenzie Creasey, and Josh Jarrett; sisters Linda Cole and Nancy Greer; special friend Marilyn Buttke.
In addition to his parents, Ralph is preceded in death by his wife Shirley Greer; sister Carol Cardwell; and brother Albert Greer.
A visitation for Ralph will be held Friday, September 15, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ralph's memory may be made to the New Hope Church Food Pantry, 346 S 00 EW, Kokomo, Indiana 46901.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetmemoryGarden.com for the Greer family.