James Rich

James Frederick "Fred" Rich, 81, of Cobden died at 2 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6, 2003, at his home.

He was born May 1, 1922, in Cobden, son of Lyman and Rose Kendall Rich. He and Louise Tripp were married Aug. 24, 1942, in Cape Girar-deau.

Rich is survived by his wife; four children, Kay and husband Lloyd Kimmich-Choate of Cape Girardeau, Judy and husband Ron Casper of Cobden, Leta Rose and husband Blayne Smith of Cobden, Becky and husband John Oakley of Draffenville, Ky. 10 grandchildren, Teresa and husband Tony Thrower, Rhonda and husband Mark Ruark, Angela and husband Brent Metje, Darren and wife Kelli Casper, Carrie and husband Jason Stroup, Amanda and husband Brad Sheridan, Kallie Smith, Meredith Smith, Sarah Rich Smith, and Logan James Oakley; 11 great-grandchildren; a brother, Tom Rich of Charles City, Iowa; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Wayne, John and Carol Rich; four sisters, Helen Henderson, Alice Rich, Ruth Glasser, and Lois Lingle.

Rich was a lifelong farmer and worked alongside his father and brothers learning and perfecting the honorable art of farming.

He graduated from A-J in 1940, where he excelled in agriculture judging in the state contests in Springfield. Fred and Louise raised their family east of Cobden on a successful dairy and cattle farm. Fred was very proud of the 37-member family heritage which survives him.

Rich was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Buncombe, Ill., most of his life. He was a songleader for several years as well as a trustee. Faith in God was a theme of Fred's life and will be a lasting legacy to his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna, and Wednesday at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church from noon until time of service.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Pleasant Ridge Church, with the Rev. Doug Bridgeman and the Rev. Darren Casper officiating. Burial will be in Cobden Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Building Fund or the Carbondale Dialysis Center in Carbondale, Ill. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements.