Richard Howard Oilar

Richard Howard Oilar, 83, of Flora, is now waiting to be joined by his family and friends in his new heavenly home; he died on Saturday, August 19, 2017, at his home.  Dick was born July 17, 1934, to the late Levi Harry and Mary Gladys Seward Oilar.  He married Glenda Gay Lowry who survives and cherished their 64 years of marriage together.  

Dick was a graduate of Prairie Township High school in Tipton County, and had resided in Carroll County for the last 41 years.  He was a faithful member and past elder of Flora First Christian Church.  Dick had an active career in the construction industry, working for Kokomo Lumber Company and then owning and operating Carroll Lumber Company before retiring.  He generously shared his knowledge and donated his time to many philanthropic causes including local 4-H and the building trades program.  He loved to be outdoors working in his yard, fishing, helping his grandchildren with their livestock and mechanical projects, and watching sporting events especially Purdue Basketball.

In addition to his wife, Dick is survived by his three daughters and their husbands, Cynthia & Dr. D.J. Harmon, of Sheridan, and Suzan & Rex Overholser and Michelle & Jeff Simmons, all of Bringhurst; five grandchildren and their spouses, Todd & Missy Kirkman, Desiray & Maj. Jared Tuinstra, Dr. Kara & Tyler Peas, Jarvis Simmons & fiancé, Jaclyn Bauer, and Trey Overholser; great-grandchildren, Allie Kirkman, Kole Kirkman, Cindy Kirkman, and Josephine Tuinstra; sisters, Betty Berry, of Crawfordsville, and Joan (Robert) Eller, of Forest; brother and sisters-in-law, Glenn Fisher, of Russiaville, Norma Jean Lowry, of Kokomo, and Don & Nell Jean Lowry, of Olathe, KS.  A large extended family of nieces, nephews, and their families were loved and shared many treasured memories with Dick.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Robert Oilar; sister, Mary Fisher; grandson, Kirt Kirkman; brothers-in-law, Max Berry and Russell Lowry; and sister-in-law, Mary Kathryn Oilar.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at Genda Funeral Home Reinke Chapel in Flora, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and also one hour prior to the funeral service on Wednesday at the church.  Funeral service in Dick’s honor will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at Flora First Christian Church with Dr. Leland D. McReynolds, of Brookston, officiating.  Burial will follow in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Flora.  Memorials in Dick’s name may be made to the property fund at Flora First Christian Church or to the charity of the donor’s choice.  Online condolences may be directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com