Richard Studebaker

Richard Eugene Studebaker, 79, Logansport, passed away Friday, July 30, 2010, at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was affectionately known as “Tink” as he enjoyed repairing and restoring machinery.

Tink was born on Aug. 12, 1930 in Wells County to Clay A. and Lula Etta Wert Studebaker. He later attended the Uniondale Public School System.

On Nov. 11, 1950 he was united in matrimony to Vera Mae Walker. In 1954 they moved their family to Logansport, where he resided until his passing.

In Logansport Tink joined his father and brother in business, co-owning Studebaker Construction Company and Cass County Stone Company. Later he owned the Studebaker Seal Coating Company, where he retired for the second time.

Tink was a member of Tipton Masonic Lodge 33, Logansport Shrine Club, Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis and Murat Shrine of Indianapolis. As a Shriner, he accompanied ill children to receive treatment in hospitals in Chicago and Cincinnati. A member of the American Legion, he also attended Main Street Methodist Church in Logansport.

One of Tink’s unique abilities was repairing and restoring John Deere tractors. He could retrieve an abandoned, discarded tractor and transform it into an award-winning machine. He was a member of the Carroll County Antique Tractor & Machinery Club and Tip Wa Antique Tractor & Engine Clubs, and most recently received an honor for restoring 14 John Deere tractors. His restored tractors were featured in Walton’s Fourth of July parades and he won several first-place awards.

Among his many hobbies, he greatly enjoyed entertaining family and neighbors at the family home on Lake Freeman in Monticello. As well, he loved having coffee with friends at Bullshipper’s Café.

His parents, a brother, Merlin, and son Terry preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Vera; daughter, Judy Warren (Brick); grandchildren, Richard Clay (Stasha) and Ryan R. Warren (Elizabeth); and great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Ethan, E.B. and Claire Warren.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Gundrum Funeral Home. Interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery in Logansport.

Calling will be 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with a Masonic service at 7:30 followed by a Shrine processional.

Memorial contributions may be made to Logansport Shrine Club to benefit hospital trips for ill children.

---