Richard "Rick" Fernandes

Richard “Rick” Fernandes, 59, of Terra Haute, passed away June 27, 2017. He was born Sept. 2, 1957 in Mount Clemens, Michigan, to Barbara and Harold Fernandes.

Rick was an avid athlete through high school, so much so Indiana State University offered the Terra Haute North graduate a full scholarship to golf for the Sycamores.

Fernandes went on to letter four years for the Sycamores and was named team MVP his sophomore through senior seasons. His success with ISU culminated his senior year by winning the 1979 Missouri Valley Conference individual championship.

He earned Division 1 All-America honors that year alongside the likes of future PGA-tour golfers Mark O’Meara, Payne Stewart, Corey Pavin and Fred Couples.

While at ISU, he earned a Bachelor of Science in secondary education. He later graduated from two courses with the PGA Business School in 1990 and 1991.

Rick was inducted into the ISU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002, and a plaque commemorating his time with the Sycamores marks the occasion today.

An interview Rick gave to the Tribune-Star was later republished in the 2013 book Rub of the Green. Of all the golf achievements he earned, he said he was most proud of winning the 1988 Indiana Assistant Professionals Championship. He beat regulars on the PGA tour in that tournament and the win qualified him to play against winners from 49 other states.

He also said he was most proud of capturing the 1979 MVC individual championship.

He is survived by his sisters Sandy Curtis and Cheryl DeCamp, three nephews and two nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents Barbara and Harold and his brother Dennis.

Rick will be interred with his mother, father and brother at the White Chapel Cemetery in Troy, Michigan.

Arrangements are under the direction of DeBaun Funeral Home and Crematory.

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