SEYMOUR
Richard Leon “Dick” Rumph, age 84 of Seymour, passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2019. Born December 5, 1934 on the family farm 4 miles from Freetown, he was the son of Raymond and Oleta (McMahon) Rumph. On December 13, 1958, Dick married Patricia Ann Reichenbacker and they were married for 31 years. On December 9, 2006, he married Millicent Taylor-Wilson who passed on January 30, 2010.
Dick was a 1952 graduate of Cortland High School. He then began his employment with Cummins Engine Company where he retired in 1985 after 31 years of service. Dick then started as a substance abuse counselor at the Seymour School System where he worked for 15 years. While there, he was able to reach many teens.
Most all his life, Dick attended auctions, garage sales and anywhere else he could find bargains. For many years, he clerked auctions for Roger Kilgas. He always loved to search for the bargains and treasures hidden deep within. Dick also had a passion for music and writing. Anyone that knew him most likely received something that he wrote, where it was a song, a holiday story or a reprimand sharing his opinion on a subject of his interest. Dick was a Christian man devoted to serving in the church, whether it be preaching, prayer meetings or attending services.
He was also a dedicated historian. He loved Jackson County history as well as Civil War and Indian history. There wasn’t much he didn’t know, whether it be about history, the value of antiques, guitars, guns, books, knives, arrowheads, watches or the many other things he collected.
Dick was instrumental in starting the Jackson County Drug Task Force. He was very committed to being a part of the cause to end drug abuse. He worked many years around this issue and no doubt changed many lives as a result.
He is survived by his six children, Mike (Van) Rumph of San Jose, California, Tony (Luania) Rumph of Eatonton, Georgia, Jonra (Phil) Rebber of Brownstown, Debbie (Dan) Gorbett, Jeff (Linda) Rumph and Andy (Brandy) Rumph all of Seymour. Dick also leaves behind 3 siblings, Marilyn (Jack) Kendall, Marvin (Linda) Rumph and Larry (Darlene) Rumph; grandchildren, Aaron Rumph, Melissa Rumph, Jason (Beverly) Rumph, Josh Rumph, Luke Rebber, Adam Rebber, Rebecca Beesley, Jennifer (Brian) Rorick, James Beesley, Caleb Rumph and Kenzie Rumph. Dick also leaves behind several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and dear friend, Jan Sipes.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, wife Millicent and granddaughter, Christie Rumph.
Pastor Jason Rumph will conduct services at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 18, 2019 at Woodlawn Life Celebration Centre. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and on Monday from 10:00am until service time. Burial will follow services at Acme Cemetery.
In leu of flowers, we request memorials be made in Dick’s memory to the Jackson County Drug Task Council or to the Jackson County History Center. Friends can share condolences or your favorite memory at www.woodlawnfamilyfuneral.com.
