Donald Irvin Rich

Donald Irvin Rich, 82, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2014, surrounded by his family at The Cedars, McPherson.

Don was born on August 6, 1931, in Houston, TX, the son of Herschel T., Sr. and Linda Leora (Holt) Rich. In 1936, Don’s family moved to McPherson where he attended the McPherson schools and graduated in 1949. On August 6, 1951, he went into the US Army and after taking basic training at Camp Chaffee, AR, he went to Okinawa for nine months and then to Korea for nine months. He served as a field wireman and mechanic. In July of 1953, he was released from active duty but served six years in the reserves. He worked for the NCRA Refinery for 17 years at the Feed Preparation Unit and then in 1970, started in the pump shop as Pump & Compressor Leaderman, retiring in 1993.

Don was a member of the First Christian Church, OCAW Local #5-558, and was life member of the V.F.W. Post #2715.

On May 26, 1978, Don was united in marriage to Florence M. (Helberg) Thorburn. She survives. Other survivors include: daughters, Mindy Taylor (John) of McPherson, KS, Connie Farnsworth (Rick) of Canton, KS, Cindy Crane (William) of Roxbury, KS; ten grandchildren, Chase Martinson (Michelle), Nathan Taylor, Lisa Taylor, Allon Taylor, Brandy Wenthe (Gale), Catie Sharp (Ron), Matthew Farnsworth (Kiley) Weston Mizell (Jennifer), James Cherry, and Nicole Cherry; five great-grandchildren, Bryce Wenthe, Braylan Wenthe, Jaxon Farnsworth, Ally Sharp, and Brecken Sharp.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Herschel T. Rich, Jr., and daughter, Tina Cherry.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, February 25, 2014, at First Christian Church with Rev. Lynn Scott officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the McPherson Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 PM, Monday, at Stockham Family Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Memorial donations may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Donald Irvin Rich please visit our Sympathy Store.