Mark K. Richard

Mark K. Richard, 71, of Columbus, IN, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Columbus Regional Hospital. He was born in Columbus on April 14, 1954 to Kenneth F. Richard and Velma G. Sharp Richard. Mark married Beverly A. Smiley on November 22, 1974 at East Columbus United Methodist Church on Indiana Avenue in Columbus, IN. Mark was Beverly’s best friend, partner in crime and beloved husband for over 50 years. Mark has always loved God and was the first baby christened in the church’s new location on Indiana Avenue in 1954.

Mark graduated from Columbus High School in 1972 and from ITT Technical Institute in Indianapolis, IN 1973 with an electronics degree.

He retired from Cummins, Inc. after 47 years of service as an electronics engineer. Mark and his father Kenneth, also owned and operated Richard’s TV Sales and Service. Mark was a master of installing radios, tape and cd players in vehicles.

Mark had many hobbies and was accomplished at all of them including, banjo, mandolin and guitar enthusiast. He frequently participated in Arnold Ellison’s jam sessions held each week in Arnold’s studio in Hope, IN.

Mark was a loyal Chevrolet owner, Corvette enthusiast since he was a teenager. He supported the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY. He and Bev were members of the local Corvette Club and enjoyed car shows, road rallies and club events.

Mark raced his 1965 Chevelle Super Stocker at the drag strip in Bean Blossom and tracks in Kentucky and Ohio for several years starting back in the 1970’s. He flew RC planes, helicopters, drones and model rockets and was a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics.

Mark was a skilled woodworker and was interested in NASA and anything to do with space exploration. In the 1960’s if NASA was going to launch a rocket, his mother Velma would let him stay home from the school so the two of them could watch the event on their black and white television. Mark loved astronomy and had numerous telescopes over the years and as his interest grew, so did the size of the telescope he owned.

Mark was a loving and devoted son, husband, brother and uncle. He was caring friendly and had a great sense of humor. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and was generous with his time, knowledge, spirit and generosity. Even in the time of his recent medical challenges, Mark never lost his sense of humor or hopeful spirit.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service and Crematory. Calling hours will be from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Friday, at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will be held at Garland Brook Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Donor’s Choice of Charity.

Survivors include his wife, Beverly Richard; sisters, Gerri Strietelmeier of Columbus, Carolyn Harris of Freetown and Sheryl (Jerry) Barringer of Scipio; brother-in-law’s, Tom Smiley of Arizona, Jack Hemmings of No. Vernon; sister-in-law, Nancy Duncan of Oregon; nieces and nephews, Scott (Brandi) Whitehead, Brian Whitehead, Jennifer Renoll all of North Vernon, Randy (Priscilla) Strietelmeier of Columbus, Teri (Ted) Schwartz, Stacie Harris and Brent Harris all of Freetown, Hayley (C.J.) Burnett and Monica (Trevor) Barringer both of North Vernon, Logan (Tyler) Combs of Scipio, Marcia (Dave) Jones and Jim Duncan both of Oregon, Teresa (Will) Coherd of Texas, Lisa (Chris) Shipman of Utah and Ann (Michael) Kurth of Idaho; also surviving is several extended family members and friends.

Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents, Amzie and Cora Richard, Ozzy and Ruby Sharp; parents, Kenneth and Velma Richard; sister, Vicki Hemmings and an infant nephew, Douglas Strietelmeier; mother and father- in-law, Thelma and James Smiley; brother-in-law’s, John Strietelmeier, John Harris, Larry Smiley, Randy Smiley, Richard Smiley, Mary Smiley and Murray Duncan; two sister-in-law’s, Gail Smiley, Linda Smiley and several aunts, uncles and cousins.