Richard Dean Pardue

Richard Dean Pardue, 75, of Union Mills met his Savior on October 9, 2020. He was born in Kentland, IN, on February 8, 1945, to Ottis and Mary Kate (Rountree) and grew up near Monon, IN. Rich was the youngest of seven siblings and learned to joke and tease out of necessity; he was the last surviving sibling. Siblings were: Rollie Pardue of Francesville, Pauline (Mike) Sinks of Kentland, Bernice (Albert) Meiser of Brookston, LeRoy (Betty) Pardue of Monon, Leona (John) Rogers of Monon, and Marvin (Lovilla) Pardue of Shreveport, LA. Rich was an uncle to 19.

Rich is survived by his high school sweetheart, Linda Cook, whom he married on June 25, 1967, at Reynolds Christian Church.  They were happily married for 53 years. Rich was so proud of his 3 children: Amber of Albuquerque, NM, Eve of Phoenix, AZ, and Luke of LaPorte. He was fully supportive of all three, from their 4-H and sports years to their adult lives across the US. He was devoted to his grandchildren, Yeva and Rhys of Phoenix. He also leaves behind his beagle buddy, Huckleberry Hound.

Rich and Linda made their homes in Chalmers and Brookston, Ft. Sill (OK), Lowell, and for the past 39 years, Union Mills. While in the Army (1969-71), Rich was stationed in Ft Sill and Vietnam at an artillery fire direction center. He then worked at NIPSCO for 40 years, where he was an electrical engineer and LaPorte district superintendent.

Rich was a member of the Agape Christian Church (LaPorte) and delighted in working with the children’s ministry with Linda for 35 years. He was also a 4-H electric leader and a softball coach. After retiring, he volunteered at the Salvation Army and LaPorte County Museum. Rich was an avid sports fan and loved watching the Cubs, Bears, Colts, Boilermakers, and South Central Satellites. He also enjoyed gardening and loved his Papa’s 5 Tree Maple Syrup Farm, named in honor of his adored grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service with Full Military Honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2020, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Pastor Ben Crostreet officiating.  Cremation to follow the service.  Burial at Union Mills Cemetery.

A time of visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the funeral home.

Due to the recent Governor's Order, anyone attending the visitation and/or service is required to wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Linda Pardue, 2900 Monroe St., La Porte, IN 46350, for the creation of a memorial bench to be placed at the La Porte County fairgrounds or to the La Porte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 West State Road 2, La Porte IN 46350.

Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlercares.com.