Mervin D. Rich

Mervin D. Rich, 73, Robinson, IL, died at 12:45 a.m. Saturday, January 17, 2009 at his home after a long battle with cancer. He retired from Marathon Oil Co in 1986 after 30 years of service; he then went back to work at Marathon with Morris Construction and retired from there in 1996 with a total of 40 years at Marathon.He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Flat Rock and with his wife were the pianist and song leader for over 50 years. He was a member of the Flat Rock Masonic Lodge #348, the Robinson Elks #1188, was on the Flat Rock City Council for 16 years and was Mayor for 8 years. He was the Honeycreek Twp. Supervisor for 22 years and served on the Crawford County Board for 2 years and was a volunteer firefighter for the Flat Rock Fire Dept. for 30 years.He was born March 9, 1935 in rural Flat Rock, IL the son of Homer Rich and Gladys Parker Rich. He married Helen E. Parker August 8, 1953 and she survives. He is also survived by his daughter and son-in-law; Susan and Tony Droste, Robinson, his son and daughter-in-law; Randy D. and Jennie Rich, Robinson, 5 grandchildren; Amber Droste, Denver, CO, Ashley and Brandon Vignolo, Newburgh, IN, Ryerson Rich, Indianapolis, IN, Roston Rich, Robinson and Ra’Kel Rich, Robinson, 5 step-grandchildren, 2 sisters; Juanita Outcalt, Robinson and Darlene and Frank Lawhead, Villa Grove, IL 3 brothers; Floyd and Dee Rich, Bullhead City, AZ, Homer N. Jr. and Shirley Rich, Hobart, IN and Ronnie and Sherrill Rich, Terre Haute, IN, 3 sisters-in-law; Pat and Don Hoagland, Robinson, Edith Rich, Olney, IL and Audrey Rich, Robinson, a brother-in-law; Bob and Becky Parker, New Orleans, LA and several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents and 5 brothers; Leon, Harold, Nelson, Clay and Gerald Rich.Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the United Methodist Church in Flat Rock with Dr. Jerry Ford officiating. Burial will follow in the Jones Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Church. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be given to the American Cancer Society or to the Flat Rock United Methodist Church. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.