Richard Monroe

Richard “Dick” D. Monroe, age 92, of Pennville, passed away Sunday morning Oct. 22, 2023, at his residence.

He was born in Portland on May 5, 1931, the son of Orville and Donna (Kile) Monroe. He was married on Sept. 9, 1951, to Clista Mae Dunn and she passed away on Dec. 10, 1996. He later married Carolyn Bailey, who passed in 2010, and Phyllis Martin, who passed in 2022.

Richard worked as a crane operator for GM and also was a farmer. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was a 1949 Bryant High School graduate. He was a member of American Legion, IOOF and Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Association, and served in the National Guard.

Surviving are his son Richard “Doug” Monroe (wife: Tressie) of Portland; and daughter Lesa Kirby (husband: Gary) of Pennville; one brother, Gary Monroe of Sharpsville, Indiana; five grandchildren, Brandyn Towell (husband: Chad), Gail Solether (husband: Kenton), Cody Monroe and Callie Holliday (husband: Dakota); and several great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Skylar Kirby; and siblings Irma Hierholzer, Gloria Johnson, Grace Walter, Mary Smith, and James and Jerry Monroe.

Funeral services will be Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, at 3 p.m. in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Harris presiding. Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery in Pennville with military graveside rites by American Legion Post #211. Visitation will be Friday from noon to 3 p.m. 

Memorials can be made to the Jay County Cancer Society or choice of the donor.

Condolences may be expressed at bairdfreeman.com.