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.

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