Richard Lee Umbarger

Richard Lee Umbarger "Rich" Age 75, passed away peacefully at home on January 2nd 2024, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness from pancreatic cancer. Richard was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on September 16th 1948, and was raised in Indianapolis by his father, Paul Umbarger, along with help from his grandmother and his aunt. He attended Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, and worked at RollerLand roller skating rink where he met his future wife, Loretta. After graduating from high school, Richard enlisted in the United States Army, and proudly served his country in Vietnam. When he returned home after the war, Richard and Loretta were married on June 29th 1970. After being married in Lockport, Richard and Loretta settled down in Joliet, Illinois and couldn't wait to start a family of their own; their children have meant the world to them. He worked at GM-Electromotive Division for 20 years, beginning in the 1970s. He was an elected union official and loved helping out at the UAW Local 719 union hall. In 1990, he transferred to Delphi-Delco Electronics in Kokomo, Indiana, where he was active with the UAW, Local 292 Union. During his retirement, Richard passionately enjoyed serving the Veterans' community, including charitable events at the Kokomo Forty and Eight. He was a member of the American Legion Post Number 6, Legion Riders Club, and additionally VFW Post 1152, where he helped organize and provide military honors at fellow Veteran's funerals throughout the past 15 years in the Kokomo, IN and surrounding area. Richard was a Harley-Davison motorcycle enthusiast, who enjoyed riding at every possible opportunity, including occasional road trips to Alabama for family reunion. Richard will always be remembered for his love of his giant extended family, as well as his dedication to putting in a hard day's work and providing for his family. We couldn't have asked for a more devoted grandfather, with a boisterous and loud personality that we will never forget - he will live on in our hearts. He is preceded in death by his father, Paul L. Umbarger; one mother-in-law, Margaret V. Bolan and one sister-in-law, Rita Parker. Richard is survived by his loving wife Loretta Umbarger; his five devoted children, Wendy (Daniel) Pitts, Jeffrey Umbarger, Richard "Richie" L. Umbarger Jr., Sandra (Damon) Johnson and Jason Umbarger; his grandchildren, Arianna Shuler, Cailee Morgan, Trent Umbarger, Brittany Jackson, Alyssa Price, Hanna Jackson, Aidan & Devon Pitts; great-grandchildren, Waylon Morgan, Cameron Tackett, Grayson Umbarger, and Lynleigh Morgan. He is also survived by his cherished siblings-in-law, who became his sisters and brothers in this life, Byron (Chris) Bolan, Rex Bolan, Barbara (Ranny) Lott, Glenda Mason, Gordon (Sara) Bolan, Janice (Mark) Orsini, Gregory A. (Jackie) Bolan and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Richard Lee Umbarger

September 16, 1948 - January 2, 2024