Obituary
The Villages, Florida: Homer N. “Cy” Rich Jr. passed away on February 4, 2020. Homer is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Shirley (Gruener) Rich. He was born June 1, 1925 in Lawrence County, Illinois, to Homer N. & Gladys (Parker) Rich Sr. Homer was one of 11 children his last remaining sibling is his brother Ronald (Sherril). Homer was predeceased by 8 brothers and 2 sisters.
Homer and Shirley had one son William Carter Rich. William married Valerie Berry and they have two children, Willam Carter Rich Jr and Jessica Rivas.
Homer enjoyed spending time visiting with his immediate and extended family. Homer’s grandchildren William Carter Rich Jr married Tonya (Fetters) and Jessica Rivas married Dave Rivas. These unions provided Homer and Shirley with six great grandchildren. Homer enjoyed the visits of his great grandchildren: Abigail Gunning, Haley (Daniel) Thulmann, Jared Gunning, Zoey Rivas, Kelsey Jo Rich and Morgan Claire Rich. Visits with his great grandchildren always brought a smile to his face and a joy to his heart.
Homer proudly answered our nation’s call for service during World War II. Homer enlisted in the U.S. Navy where after training was assigned to a floating dry dock in Guam where he and his shipmates would repair battle damage to the ships of the fleet.
After returning home Homer was a member of the Elk Lodges in Hobart and Valparaiso as well as the American Legion.
Homer worked for several companies after his service in the U.S. Navy. He worked for Standard Oil, Mitchell’s Hardware and Appliance and Welsh Oil as a Dispatched and Driver.
Homer enjoyed playing golf, bowling and working in the yard. Homer had a mastery of all things mechanical and could repair almost anything that was set in front of him.
Homer enjoyed attending high school and college football games at Hobart High where his son and grandson played and Portage High where his great grandson played. Homer and Shirley also would attend the college games at the University of Dubuque where is son played.
Homer also enjoyed the company of some life long friends; Jerry Walker, Levi Stanford and Robert J Welsh.
Homer will be cremated and there will be a Celebration of His Life at a later date.
My Uncle "Cy" and Aunt Shirley......Aunt Shirley, cousin Bill, and my Uncle "Cy".