Richard N. Rupe, age 85 of Alexandria, died Friday, January 9, 2015 at St. Vincent Anderson Regional Hospital in Anderson following an extended illness. He was born June 1, 1929 in Anderson, the son of Otto Robert and Hazel (Alexander) Rupe. Richard worked in skilled trades for more than 38 years at Delco Remy Corporation in Anderson, and retired in 1985. He was a 1948 graduate of Walnut Grove High School and later served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Korea. He married the love of his life, Lelia Mae Powers on February 25, 1953. Richard was a member of the Madison Christian Church in Frankton, the U.A.W. Union #662, the Korean Veterans Association, and the Frankton American Legion. He enjoyed gardening and spending time with his grandson, Sam. He also especially enjoyed watching Sam play baseball. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Richard's family includes his wife of 61 years, Lelia Mae Rupe of Alexandria; son, Wayne (wife Robin) Rupe of Atlanta; daughter, Donna (husband Dennis) Yost of Parker, CO; 4 grandchildren, Kelli Rupe of Brownsburg, Brian Yost of Colorado, Erin Marie Yost of Colorado, and Sam Rupe of Atlanta, 2 step-grandchildren, Derek Yost and Evan Yost; a great-granddaughter, Madisen Rupe; Nieces and Nephews, Ronald "RL" Jordan, Susie Whitman, Bruce Griner, Meredith Rupe, and Russell Rupe.

Funeral services celebrating Richard's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Donna Herring of the Madison Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Aroma Cemetery in Atlanta, and will include military honors by the U.S. Military and VFW Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM prior to the funeral on Tuesday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Madison Christian Church through the funeral home. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.copherfeslermay.com.