It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Franklin “Frank” D. Richey’s passing. Frank, 81, of Grandview, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, June 15, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife and son.
Frank was born in Spencer County on December 19, 1943, to George B. and Rena (Painter) Richey.
A proud U.S. veteran, Frank dedicated 21 years of his life to serving our country. He spent one year in the U.S. Navy Reserve before joining the U.S. Army, where he served for two decades (1961-1982). His military career took him across the globe, including assignments at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO; Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD; Ft. Ord, CA; Korea; Ft. Rucker, AL; Ft. Campbell, KY; Ft. Dix, NJ; Ft. Bragg, NC; Okinawa; Ft. Hood, TX; Ft. Benjamin Harrison; and two tours in Germany. He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War.
After his distinguished military service, Frank retired from the Branchville Training Center after 10 years. He also spent several years working on and off for Grandview Aluminum Products, Inc.
Frank was a faithful member of Refuge Church in Reo, and had also attended Trinity United Methodist Church. He was actively involved in his community, holding memberships with American Legion Post No. 254 and VFW Post No. 4300. Frank was a co-founder of Rolling Thunder Chapter 17 in Indiana, an organization dedicated to raising awareness for POWs.
Frank had a deep passion for honoring veterans. His dream of establishing a Spencer County Veteran’s Memorial in Grandview came true in 2011, and he spearheaded the first Veteran’s Day Parade and many subsequent ones. In 2013, his second dream was realized when he successfully brought “The Wall that Heals” to Grandview. In the spring of 2023, he was chosen by the Southern Indiana Honor Flight to go on flight EVV14.
Beyond his dedication to veterans, Franks’s ultimate dream was to marry his best friend, soulmate, and lifelong partner, Barbara. After 26 years, she finally said “I Do” in 2008. Frank’s love for Barb was undeniable, and together they created countless memories traveling across the U.S., from honeymooning in Daytona Beach to dancing with natives in Jamaica, and spending winters in Frostproof, FL. They explored every U.S. state except Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona and Alaska. Frank’s greatest adventure was walking through life with Barbara, and for the last four years, with their beloved pup, Armee.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, George and Rena Richey, and his siblings, George V. Richey, James Robert Richey, Wayne Richey, Ray Richey and Barbara Stonebraker.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Barbara (Smith) Richey; his children, Gary (April) Richey and Sheryll Richey (and boys); his stepchildren, Leisa (Bird) Wells and Alan (Abby) Richey; his grandchildren, Ashley (Callahan) Bush and Dana Richey; and his step-grandchildren, Landon Wells, Lexi Wells, Laynee Wells, Hadley Richey, Kinley Richey and Molley Richey. He was also blessed with four great-grandchildren. Frank is also survived by his siblings, Sam (Val) Richey, Bill (Karen) Richey, Kenny (Linda) Richey, Margaret Franklin and Bernadine (Jerry) Renehan, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.
Services were held Saturday, June 21, at Boultinghouse Funeral Home in Rockport, with Pastor Jason Toler officiating. Burial followed at Grandview Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Frank’s memory to the Spencer County Veteran’s Memorial c/o Barbara Richey, PO Box 642, Grandview IN 47615.
Friends may leave a condolence for the family at www.BoultinghouseFuneralHome.com.
