Phillip “Albert” Rich, 92, of Mt. Pleasant passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the VanVorhies Haus in Mt. Pleasant.
Albert was born on December 31, 1931, in Mt. Pleasant the son of Forest Milo “Frosty” and Lillie N. (Bain) Rich. Albert served his country in the United States Army from February 12, 1952 until February 11, 1954. Following his honorable discharge he was united in marriage to Anna Mae Ross on August 15, 1954, at the Wayland United Methodist Church. She preceded him in death on July 27, 2004. Albert always was a hard worker. He started working for the Sinclair Gas Station in Mt. Pleasant, Chevrolet Garage in Winfield, was a repairman for the Ford Tractor Dealership and later for the Henry County Road Department retiring after 28 years. On November 26, 2005, he was united in marriage to Wilma Smithburg. She preceded him in death on July 29, 2017. He was a member of the Trenton Missionary Church, served on the Green Mound Cemetery Board, singing with the Rhythm Rockers of Mt. Pleasant and was a member of the American Legion Post of Wayland.
Albert is survived by his children, Phillip (Kara) Rich of Chariton, Teresa (John) Mallams of Mt. Pleasant, Curtis (Mindy) Rich of Mt. Pleasant, 5 grandchildren, Angela, Matthew, Joshua, Heather, Alexa and P.J., and 5 great-grandchildren, Raylee, Kylie, Zayden, Zebulon and Lillian, his stepchildren, Linda (Clinton) Boese of Pella, Nancy (Roger) Asby of Lockridge and Edward (Vivian) Smithburg of West Olive, Michigan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, both wives, a grandson, Nathan Mallams, an infant sister and his brother, Donald J. Rich.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the Trenton Missionary Church with Pastor David Forrester officiating. Burial will follow in the Green Mound Cemetery, with full military honors. Friends may call from 2 until 6 p.m. on Friday at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant. The family will not be present. In lieu of flowers family suggests memorials may be directed to the Trenton Missionary Church, the Green Mound Cemetery or to the VanVorhies Haus in his memory.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com
Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.