Richard "Dick" Vehling

Richard "Dick" Vehling, a treasured husband, father, World War II veteran, educator, and avid collector, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2023, in Robinson, IL. Born on January 14, 1927, in Indianapolis, IN, he was the son of Carl & Florence (Harden) Vehling. His early years were punctuated by a love for automobiles, a passion passed down from his father and uncle. A diligent and disciplined student, Dick graduated from Ben Davis High School in 1944 and spent a year at Butler University. But he responded to a higher call upon enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1945, a period that found him stationed in Memphis, TN, Melbourne, FL, Glenview, IL, and Norman and Purcell, OK. He was honorably discharged in 1946 as a Seaman First Class, his military service having earned him both the Victory Medal and the American Campaign Medal.

Returning to civilian life, Dick applied the same discipline and steadfastness to his professional pursuits, taking his first strides in the world of work as a salesman, buyer, and department manager at L.S. Ayres & Co, a renowned retail establishment in his native Indianapolis. However, the pull of his longstanding fascination with automobiles was too great to ignore, and in 1960, he combined this passion with his entrepreneurial spirit as the owner/operator of the Vehling Texaco and Vehling 66 Service Stations.

Not one for complacency, Dick decided to further his education in the mid-1970s. He obtained a Bachelor's degree from Indiana State University in 1974, followed by a Master's degree in 1978. This academic journey paved the way for a second career in education, where he combined his love for automobiles and passion for knowledge. He spent one year teaching at McCutcheon High School in Lafayette, IN, before moving on to Vincennes University, where he served as an Associate Professor in the Automotive Technology program from 1976 until his retirement in 1995.

Dick was a man of many interests and talents outside his work. He boasted an impressive collection of antiques, ranging from wooden planes to Model A and Model T parts. He was known to collect and sell cast iron pieces and tools as well. He also dabbled in woodworking and was something of a handyman, having put his skills on display over the course of numerous home repair projects.

On July 1, 1951, he married Lee Fox, and together, they filled their 72 years with love and adventure. Their shared penchant for traveling took them west to Flagstaff, AZ, and east across the beautiful landscapes of historic New England. Back home, they worshipped together alongside their Palestine First Presbyterian Church family. They, as well as anyone else blessed to know Dick, could attest to the richness of his life. His 96 years were marked by service, resilience, passion, and an unceasing faith that has finally been made sight.

Dick's memory will long be cherished by his wife, Lee Vehling, and their four children, Steve Vehling, Carla Hess (and husband Dan), Keith Vehling, and Marcia Vehling.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 28th, at the Palestine Cemetery, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the combined units of the U.S. Navy, the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to "Palestine First Presbyterian Church" or the "Palestine Preservation Projects Society", with envelopes available at the cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements.