M. David Richman

M. DAVID RICHMAN

Yorktown, IN--

M. David Richman, born November 26, 1931, was the son of the late, great Myron C and Vivian Richman and was the younger brother of Nancy Richman (Shaw).  Dave departed his wonderful earthly life to rise in glory in the wee small hours of 01-12-23 at the age of 91.

After graduating from Burris High School as a star basketball player, he went on to attend Bowling Green University on a full basketball scholarship.  He later transferred to Hanover College where he continued his basketball career, was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and majored in Business.

Before he could finish his degree, he joined and served in the US Air Force during the Korean War.  He later graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a degree in Business Administration.

In 1959 he met the love of his life, Polly Reynolds.  And thus, begun the epic courtship known as the Summer of ’59 with many fun-filled weekends spent with the Muncie gang at “Big Tippy” lake where the family had a cottage.  Dave and Polly married in June of 1960. After 3 years of “blasting” with their friends they welcomed their first daughter Robyn (Mendel) and a few years later, Ronna (Hopp).

Dave was a devoted husband and father.   He spent countless hours ensuring his girls didn’t throw like girls, could properly throw a spiral and consistently sink a free throw.  After golf proved too challenging for his patience, he and Polly took up tennis where they enjoyed playing with neighbors and family for years.

Dave had a passion and talent for music.  While not a trained musician, he had a beautiful voice and enjoyed crooning along with Frank Sinatra, his favorite singer. 

While he loved to laugh and have a blast with his close friends and family, he was also a very committed funeral director who helped countless families through difficult times.  It was a very difficult job that took a toll on his emotional and physical health and he became a very happy retiree in 1990.

In 1992, Dave became known as ODD.  Dave thought the name “Grandpa” made him sound too old so he decided on Old Daddy Dave which was almost instantly shortened to ODD when his first grandson, Ryan David Mendel, aka Ry-Ry was born.  Since ODD had a nickname, he gave nicknames to all the grandkids and insisted on only calling them by that name.  Steven Alan Mendel is SAM. Justin Riley Hopp is “muffin man.”  Reagan Elise Hopp is Rea-Rea.  Andrew Joseph Mendel is AJ. Even his son-in-law Joe had the nickname “HC”.  If you had a nickname, you knew you were loved.  Just ask Polly Ann, Rob-Rob, Ron-Ron, and his many close friends.

In 2014, Dave was promoted to the Great ODD when Ryan and Hannah welcomed their first child Lillian (Lills)and in 2016, Micah (Mikey-Mike).

Spending time with his family and close friends was his favorite hobby.  We’re sure going to miss him but we will find comfort knowing that he will be joining his friends and family who have gone before to the next great “blast.”

Dave was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Muncie; the Daleville Masonic Lodge #730, a life member of the Yorktown American Legion Post #321, the Elks Lodge #625 of Hartford City and the Indiana Funeral Directors Association.

The family is sincerely grateful for the entire staff at Bethel Pointe for their kind loving compassion in caring for David during the last month.

Calling hours will be held at Waters Funeral Home in Hartford City on Friday, January 20 from 4pm-7pm with funeral services at Waters Funeral Home on Saturday, January 21 at 1:00pm, followed by entombment at Elm Ridge Mausoleum, Muncie.

Memorial contributions in his name, may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 1400 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie, IN 47303.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.watersfuneralhomes.com

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