Ned J. Rich Jr.

July 16, 1934 - October 12, 2021

Ned J. Rich, Jr., 87, of Bath passed away at 7:04 a.m. on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. He was born on July 16, 1934 in Jersey County, Illinois to Ned J. and Sylvia (Roark) Rich, Jr. Ned is survived by his longtime partner, Lila Rodgers, of Bath, children: Danny (Deborah) Rich of Chandlerville, Darrell (Connie) Rich of Columbus, Mississippi, Deborah (Mike) Wooldridge of Chandlerville, and Dennis (Linda) Rich of Bath, step-children: Doug (Abby) Corey, Michelle Corey, Tammy (Dave) Schnoor, and Gary (Tammy) Rodgers, 11 grandchildren, 12 step-grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 13 step great-grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter, and 5 step great great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother, Robert (Donita) Morris of Walnut Hill, Illinois and his sister, Patsy Hayden of Jacksonville. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Rich, in 2010, parents, daughter, Diane Rich Eilers, and great-granddaughter, Natalie Kae Krohe. Ned was founder and president of Rich Lumber Co. in 1960 until his retirement in 2005. He enjoyed music and playing guitar and other stringed instruments, which he learned at the age of 4. He loved his family and was very dedicated to them. Cremation rites have been accorded and a graveside service will be held at Bethel Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 30, 2021. A potluck dinner and music will be held immediately following the service at the Kilbourne Firehouse. Memorial donations may be made in Ned's name to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Online condolences can be left for his family at www.hurleyfh.com. Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.