Corsicana Daily Sun
Corsicana —
CMSGT Ted Rich, age 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Corsicana, Friday, September 3, 2010. Mr. Rich was born to John H. and Dora Rich on May 15, 1920 in Princeton, Kentucky.
He graduated from Butler High School in 1939. Out of his love for his country he entered the service as a Marine in September 1941 and fought in WW II. After the war was over he went to Chicago to resume his civilian career at General Motors. In 1950 he was recalled to active duty to engage in the Korean Conflict. He later cancelled his reserve status and enlisted in the US Air Force as a career. After fighting in the Vietnam War he retired in 1975 with 34 years of service to his country.
His military decorations and awards include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Cluster, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal with 7 Bronze Stars and 1 Bronze Arrowhead, Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Marine Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters.
After his retirement he enjoyed wood working, gardening, working on his genealogy, and the Dallas Cowboys.
Mr. Rich was preceded in death by his mother and father, granddaughter Christina Rich, his wife Pauline Rich, 2 brothers John (Bud) and William, and 7 sisters, Mary Belle, Lorene, Galena, Ora Mae, Jewel, Gurtrude and Odie.
He is survived by his son Edd Rich and wife Debbie of Watauga, Texas; granddaughter Tracey Balonos and husband Randy of Ft. Worth; grandson Josh Prather and fiancé Danielle Landry of Bedford; great granddaughter Natalie Edwards and great grandson Jayden Balonos, both of Ft. Worth; and his wonderful friend Jerry Caton of Corsicana.
The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Cedar Lake Hospice Home helpers and Angels at Home and all of their staff.
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 7 at Corley Funeral Home. Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 8, at Corley Funeral Home Chapel. Burial with full military honors will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Athens.
An online guest book is available going to www.corleyfuneralhome.com and selecting the Ted Rich obituary. ∞
