Jack E. Rich, 82, of Peru passed away on Friday, December 28, 2018 at Wellbrooke of Wabash.
He was born in Culver, Indiana on July 31, 1936 to Captain James I. Rich (retired US Army and Culver Military Academy) and Effie Pearl Rich. He graduated from Culver High School in 1954, and joined the US Army immediately following high school, as part of the Corporal Missile Battery. He also played drums in the military band.
He married Linda Lou McGowen/Bodey in the Culver Methodist Church in 1958. She preceded him in death on April 3, 2008 after a battle with cancer. Jack was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Scottish Rite, and The Shrine. He was also a member of the New Life United Methodist Church.
He was hired by the Indiana State Police on August 1, 1958 as a Communication Officer. He attended ISP Recruit School in 1960 and became a Trooper upon his graduation. He attained the rank of Sergeant with ISP from 1968 until his retirement, December 31, 1990. From 1989 to 1990, Jack served the ISP alongside his two sons. He subsequently served two 4 year terms as Miami County Sheriff, beginning January 1, 1991, through December 31, 1998.
Jack is survived by his children: Robert Rich (Kathy), Culver; Kimberly Rich Larson (Jim Cooper), Peru; and daughter-in-law Connie Rich, Wabash. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Alexa Larson, Indianapolis; Anna Rich Uhles (Zachary), Nappannee; Emily Rich, Pittsburgh, PA; Jackson Rich, Culver; Lauren Rich, Connor Rich, and Carson Rich all of Wabash.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his son David Rich, his brothers Robert and Jay, and his sister Miriam.
Visitation will be held from 2pm – 7pm on Thursday, January 3, 2019 at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana. Masonic service provided by Peru-Miami Masonic Lodge #67 will follow at 7pm. Funeral service will be held at 11am on Friday, January 4, 2019 at New Life United Methodist Church, 3039 W 400 N, Peru, Indiana, with Pastor John Meunier officiating. Burial will take place at the Culver Masonic Cemetery, Culver, Indiana.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Indiana State Police Alliance- Rich Memorial Fund, 1415 Shelby Street, Indianapolis, IN 46203.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.