Richard Nelson Effner

Richard “Dick” Nelson Effner, age 83, passed from this earth to his heavenly home on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at Cobblestone Crossings Health Campus in Terre Haute.  He was born January 1, 1938 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Ehrman and Marie Okes Effner.  Richard was the youngest of their six children. 

Richard graduated from Glenn High School in 1955.  He married the love of his life, Barbara Duguid on August 29, 1958.  They were married for 42 years.

He retired from General Telephone Company in 2000, after 39 years of service.  His work ethic was second to none.  After retirement, Richard would often mow grass, was a handyman for the elderly, and helped those in need.  If a job was worth doing, it had to be done right.  Richard passed this same trait on to his children and grandchildren.  He always kept an immaculate yard and was proud of his garden.  Richard also enjoyed fishing, playing board games, and croquet.  He was a member of Union Christian Church, the Swinging Mates Square Dancing Club, and past member of IBEW Local 725, the Riley Volunteer Fire Department, as well as coaching many of his children’s athletic teams.

Richard is survived by his three children, Chris (Lori) Effner of Terre Haute, Indiana, Melinda (Martin) London of Palm Harbor, Florida, and Jonathan (Lisa) Effner, of Cory, Indiana; four grandchildren, Haley London, Megan Effner, Elizabeth (Jimmy) Harden, and Nelson (Samantha) Effner; five great grandchildren, Corbin Harden, Maddie Harden, Sawyer Wallace, Samantha Wallace, and Sydney Wallace; granddaughter-in-law Laura Wallace; brother-in-law, Grover Allen of Dayton, Ohio, several nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ehrman and Marie Effner, his wife Barbara Effner, five siblings, Owen Effner, Evelyn Knecht, James Effner, USN Ret. Capt. Dorothy Effner, and Caroline Allen, and grandson Frankie Wallace.

DeBaun Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.  Service will be held at Highland Lawn Cemetery Chapel on Sunday, August 1, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.  Pastor Mark Grayless will be officiating.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrance be made in the form of a charitable donation to your favorite charity or church.  Online condolences may be made to www.debaunfuneralhomes.com.

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