Bernard Ivan Rich

Bernard "Bernie" I. Rich passed away peacefully on July 5th at Ridgewood Terrace in Madisonville KY. He is survived by his wife of 77 years, Rita Laue Rich, the center of his world. Also surviving are their daughters, Pamela (Dale) Halter of Houston, TX and Kathy (Dan) Dollahan of Hanson, KY and four sons: Charles Christian Rich of Milwaukee, WI, Tom (Barbara) Rich of Lansing, MI, Patrick (Bobby) Rich of Williamsport, IN, David (Renata) Rich of Memphis, TN, and his daughter-in-law Barbara of Canton, OH, the widow of his son Michael who died 10 years prior. Bernie is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Bernie was born October 4, 1923 in Vincennes, IN to Charles H. and Mary (Smith) Rich who preceded him in death along with his step-mother Ethel, a sister, Mary (John) Welsh and brother Dean L. Rich.

Bernie graduated from Lincoln High School in Vincennes in 1941. He served in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman on the island of Guam during WWII. He was a career postal worker, first on the Rail Post Office and then as a clerk in Vincennes until his retirement in 1984. He was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Knights of Columbus and a parishioner at Christ the King Catholic Church in Madisonville.

Aside from his family, Bernie enjoyed animals, carpentry and outdoor activities. He raised chinchillas, chickens, ducks and all manner of fruits and vegetables.

Funeral services will be held for Bernard and Rita Rich at 11:00 AM Tuesday July 18, 2023 at Christ the King Catholic Church with Father Carl McCarthy officiating. Burial will follow at Hanson Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Monday, July 17th, at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home and from 10:00 A.M. until service time Tuesday, July 18, at Christ the King.

In lieu of sending flowers, do something kind for someone, adopt a pet, plant a tree, do a little dance or sing a silly song in his memory.