William Howard Rich

William Howard Rich, Sr., 85, of Frankfort, passed away Thursday, February 13, 2014, at St. Vincent Hospice in Indianapolis.

He was born December 20, 1928, in Glasgow, KY, the son of William Ted and Vernie Barkley Rich.  William married Virginia “Jenny” Walker in 1953; she preceded him in death August 28, 1997.  He later married Barbara Bushman Woodard on October 2, 1999; she survives.  

William attended Jackson Township schools.  He served in the U.S. Army for 4 years post WWII.  He worked for Nickel Plate for 25 years as a brakeman and later retired from Chrysler in 1993.  William was a member of First Baptist Church in Frankfort.  He was a member of York Rite Collage 133, past Governor of Yeomen of York Lafayette Precatory #3, Aperson Council 307, and a lifetime member of Scottish Rites.  He was “Poppy the Clown” for 11-1/2 years for the Kokomo Shriners and a Murat Shriner for 23 years.  William was High Priest four times, Illustrious Master four times, Eminent Commander once, and Worshipful Master seven times at the Masonic Lodge.  He was a member of High Twelve International Club, past member of the Elks, and member of the Moose Lodge and American Legion.  He was also a member of the Sheriff’s Association.  William was a past Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star, past Commander Association, past Patron, bell ringer, and Deputy Battalion Commander, Grand¬ ¬¬¬¬Commander State of Indiana.  He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award.  

In addition to his wife, William is survived by two sons, Tom (Rachel) Rich of Frankfort and Bill (Miriam) Rich, Jr. of Colfax; a daughter, Lori (Bret) Harness of Frankfort; three step-sons, Steve (Paula) Woodard and Gary (Charlotte) Woodard of Frankfort, and Mike (Charity) Woodard of Michigantown; one step-daughter, Debra (Kenny) Johnson of WV;  one sister, Lois Jean Carr of CO; one step-brother, Terry Rich; 13 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.  

William is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Charles Roger Rich; and one step-daughter, Pam Skiles.  

Visitation for William will be held from 3-7 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2014 at Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort with Order of the Eastern Star services beginning at 2:45 p.m.  Masonic/Knights of the Templar service will begin at 6:30 p.m.  Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at the funeral home with Pastor Chuck Williams officiating.  Burial will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery.  Memorials in Williams’s name may be made to Clinton County Cancer Society or First Baptist Church.  Online condolences may be directed to gendafuneralhome.com.