Richard Lawrence “Dick” Teaford, Sellersburg, passed from this life on Monday, January 16, 2023. He was born October 16, 1940 in Paoli, to Francis Richard and Vivian Moneta McCoy Teaford.
Richard was a patient, loving, caring father and gentle man to all who knew him.
A 1958 graduate of Paoli High School, Richard studied at the Indiana College of Mortuary Science. He married Brenda Nicholson in August 1962 after joining the Air Force in February of that year. He served as a Missile Systems Analyst after training at Chanute AFB in Rantoul, IL on the Hound Dog Missile Guidance System. His remaining four years of active duty service was at Turner AFB in Albany, GA. He was awarded the Missileer Badge and was very proud to serve his country in the United States Air Force.
After his discharge from the Air Force, he, Brenda and their two sons lived briefly in Paoli, owning and operating Teaford Decorating Center. Then they moved to Terre Haute where attending Indiana State full time to become teachers. Richard taught Industrial Education for 25 years before retiring.
While living in Paoli and Santa Claus, Richard was on the volunteer fire department; member of the Paoli Masonic Lodge; Evansville Valley Scottish Rite; member of the American Legion; and served on the Santa Claus Town Board.
Richard enjoyed fishing in Ludington, MI, South Padre Island, TX and Lake Placid, FL. After retirement he and Brenda traveled all over the United States, Canada, Ireland, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Richard is survived by his wife of 60 years, Brenda Teaford; two sons, Doug (Celeste), and Reid (Susan); five grandchildren, Brooke Logsdon (Justin), Christopher Teaford (Kaleigh), Nickolas Teaford (Ashley), Blaire Hinderman (Zach) and Corey Teaford (Taylor); four great-grandchildren that were such a joy — Maxwell Teaford, Kennedy Logsdon, Eli Logsdon and Levi Teaford. Richard is also survived by one sister Judy Trinkle (Ken David), nieces, nephews and close friends Fred and Joyce Stone. Richard always said “Fred was the brother that I never had.”
A private graveside service was held at Paoli Community Cemetery. A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Saturday, March 4, from 1-5 CST at TurnKey Event Center, 26 South Washington Street, Dale. All friends and former colleagues are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 and Tunnel to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY, 10306.
