Loren Rife Jr.

Loren Rife Jr., age 74, of Wabash, died at 7:55 a.m. Tuesday (December 22, 2009) at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. Loren was born July 3, 1935 in Wabash to Loran Rife Sr. and Delores (Kessler) Rife. He joined the United States Air Force and served in the Korean War. Loren retired from the Air Force as a Tech Sergeant after 21 years of service. He was also the Finance Officer and Manager for American Legion #248 in Lagro for 16 years. Loren married Mary Elizabeth (Burnworth) Rife in Wabash on November 2, 1985. She preceded him in death on July 15, 2005. Loren was a loving son, brother, father, and grandfather who loved spending time with his family. He was also a member of the V.F.W. Post #2689 in Huntington, Moose Lodge #1195 in Wabash, AmVets Post #16 of Indiana and Lagro American Legion #248. Survivors include his mother – Delores Rife of Wabash; one son – Loren (Kathy) Rife of Lagro; four daughters – Robin Adkins of Huntington, Marcy Rife of Wabash, Becky Petrich of Mechanicsville, Virginia, and Tammy (Randy) Honaker of Piney Flats, Tennessee; three step-sons – Paul Bakehorn, Jr. of Wabash, Kirk (Dawn) Bakehorn of Urbana, Kevin (Judy) Bakehorn of Wabash; four step-daughters – Teresa (Brett) Kinder of Windfall, Carol (Jim) Clay of Granger, Diana (Jack) Hubbard of Wabash and Deanna (Monte) Martin of Wabash; two brothers – Clyde (Jennifer) Rife of Lagro and Jay (Tina) Rife of Las Vegas, Nevada; four sisters – Janice (Harry) Pitts of Indianapolis, Patricia (Lesley) Bills of Columbia City, Markie (Chuck) Vogelman of Springhill, Florida and Sally Miracle of Wabash; thirty-four grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren. His father, wife and brother (Nicky Dennis Rife) precede him in death. Visitation will be from 3 - 7 p.m. Saturday (December 26, 2009) at Bailey-Love Mortuary. The funeral service will then be held at 2 p.m. Sunday (December 27, 2009) also at Bailey-Love Mortuary with Pastor Jeff Carrell officiating. Military graveside rites will be performed by the V.F.W. Post #2689 and the Lagro American Legion #248. Burial will be in the Memorial Lawns Cemetery in Wabash. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN 46750.

Loren Rife Jr.

July 3, 1935 - December 22, 2009