Richard L. Verhey, age 81, of rural Crawfordsville, died in his home following a lengthy illness at 9:15 a.m. Sunday, September 6, 2015. He was born in Fountain County, May 22, 1934, son of the late Lawrence C. and Waneta Lorane Collins Verhey. He married Vondola Berry, in the Jackson Methodist Church, July 10, 1955 and she survives.

He graduated from Jackson High School and soon began farming. He raised grain and livestock as well as erecting grain bins for Childress Farm Service. He also had raised Limousin Cattle. In 1974, he established Verhey Erection and had constructed grain handling systems in Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee. He thoroughly enjoyed operating his crane and was known during the 'CB' days as the 'Crane Man'. He 'unwillingly' retired in 2003 as a result of the progression of Parkinson's Disease. Dick didn't consider anything he did as 'work'. His work was his life. He and his wife would do anything to help anyone in need. He enjoyed his family.

Surviving along with his wife Vondola, are, two daughters: Darlene (Jeff) Cass of Crawfordsville and Jan (Tom) Litherland of Vincennes and a son, Larry R. (Stacy) Verhey of Waynetown. A brother, Darrel (Sue) Verhey of West Point and a sister, Judy Hamilton (Steve) Scott. Four grandchildren: Chad (Kelly) Cass, Logan (Ellen) Cass, Laura Francis, Brandi Litherland. Seven great-grandchildren: Mason, Spencer, Harrison and Thatcher Cass, Elyssa and Emily Francis, Taylor Litherland. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Jerold W. and Glen Verhey, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation hours are 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 10, 2015 and an hour prior to the service at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate. Funeral services at the funeral home 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 11, 2015 with Pastor Carol Johnson officiating. Entombment will follow in Tippecanoe Memory Gardens, West Lafayette. Memorial contributions may be directed to Parkinson's Disease Foundation. Visit us online to leave a condolence or share a memory at www.familyandfriendsfh.com