John William Rich

John William Rich was born February 22, 1959 to Earl William Rich, Jr. and Dorothy Elizabeth Keilman Rich.  He left us too soon July 14, 2021.

John was the much-loved younger brother.  From an early age, John was always drawing.  After his mother died when he was 10, his grandmother, Kathleen Keilman, introduced him to literature.  When John and his brother Earl moved to San Francisco he immersed himself in the art world and music.  He later went on to get his MBA in literature.  His poetry won him many awards and praise from people such as Maya Angelou.  Many of his poems are represented in his paintings.

After John’s father died, he moved back to Indianapolis to be close to his family.  He worked in cousin Bobby’s furniture store, where John used his creativity to help people create their own environment.  He also created and organized wonderful art shows and events.  John later decided he wanted to work on his own and became a plumber and entrepreneur because of the skills his father taught him when he was young.

This really doesn’t tell you anything about John the person.  He was a caring and loving individual who encouraged others to be better.  While he was not religious, he was spiritual in his own way.  He believed in life after death, life on other worlds, and he saw the best in others.

He loved people and animals.  He had a wonderful laugh and an impish smile.  Family and friendship were very important to him.

He leaves behind many people who will miss him. Including but not limited to: his brother Earl Edward Rich, his sister Kathryn Rohder, his dog Xenia, his ex-wife Robin Rehment, and his longtime friend Jeanette Rippy.

Friends and family may share a story or memory of John during the service on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 beginning at 11:00am at Flanner Buchanan – Broad Ripple, Indianapolis, Indiana 46220, where visitation will be held on Monday, July 19, 2021 from 4:30pm until 7:00pm.  Additional visitation will be one hour prior to service time.  A funeral procession will follow the service out to Crown Hill Cemetery for burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Humane Society.