THOMAS ROY RICH, 81, ROBINSON, ILLINOIS

VISITATION: 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. FRIDAY MAY 23, 2008 - PULLIAM FUNERAL HOME, OBLONG, ILLINOIS

FUNERAL SERVICE: 11:00 A.M. SATURDAY MAY 24, 2008 - PULLIAM FUNERAL HOME, OBLONG, ILLINOIS

MEMORIALS: ROBINSON V.F.W. MEMORIAL MUSEUM - Envelopes at or may be mailed to the Funeral Home

MILITARY RITES CONDUCTED BY: OBLONG AMERICAN LEGION POST #219

Thomas Roy Rich, 81, Robinson, Illinois passed away at 3:05 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at Crawford Memorial Hopital, Robinson, Illinois. Born in Hardinville, Illinois on February 10, 1927, he was the son of Virgil Rich and Elizabeth (Bishop) Rich. Thomas served with the U. S. Navy during W. W. II. He was employed as a machinist for Bradford Supply Company, Robinson; Cortelyou Machine Shop, Oblong and owner / operator of R&L Woodworking. He was a member of the Eureka Church, Stoy; Coldfoot Campers Club; Crawford County Archaeological Society; Henpeck CB Club; and a lifetime member of the Robinson V. F. W. Post #4549. His hobbies included bowling; fishing; hunting; woodworking; arrowhead hunting; camping and flea marketing.

On August 29, 1948, he married Laura Rose (Bond), who preceded him in death on June 20, 1994. Also preceding him in death were his parents; one son, Vernon Rich; one daughter, Molly Shipman; step-father, Oscar Hensley; two sons-in-law, Earl Newman & Anthony Wayne Russell; one grandson, Richard Thomas Badger; and one great-grandson, Keegan Joseph Williams.

Thomas is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Rick & Gina Rich; four daughters and sons-in-law, Roberta Kay & Jerry Sharrett, Linda & Steve Stewart, Sandy Newman and Patty & Pat King; daughter-in-law, Catherine "Cathy" Rich; son-in-law, Dan Shipman; sixteen grandchildren, Matt & Michelle Russell, J. D. & Fantasy Sharrett, Anissa & Kevin Williams, Mike & Melissa Stone, Laura Sharrett, Kimberly Stewart, Keith Rich, Elizabeth Rich, William Rich, Jason & Angel Newman, Jennifer Grove, Eric & Erica Badger, Marc King, Ashlee King, Misty Shipman and Christy Shipman; twelve great-grandchildren, Anthony Russell, Shyanna Shew, Alcia Williams, Ashtin & Michaela Stone, Caleb & Madison Newman, Taylor & Jenna Grove, Ivy Badger, Lexi Mae King and Layla & Macy Shipman; several nieces & nephews; great-nieces & nephews; four brothers-in-law and five sisters-in-law.

Burial will be in Hardinville Cemetery, Hardinville, Illinois.