Richard W. 'Rich' Carlin

*Please Note- If you wish to attend services for Mr. Carlin, A family member has tested positive for Covid. That family member will not be in attendance. If attending face-coverings will be required. A register book and memorial folders will be provided to those who wish to pay their respects but do not wish to be indoors. Thank you for your understanding.

Richard W. Carlin, 77, of South Bend, passed away on November 23rd in his residence surrounded by his loving family.

          Rich was born in South Bend at Memorial Hospital, on March 31, 1944 to Vernon H. and Francis (Striebel) Carlin. Upon graduation he married the love of his life, Belinda Stroup, on May 22, 1965, she preceded him in death on 2014. He was drafted into the United States Army and served from 1966- 1968. He served as a member of the Military Police and Honor Guard in Hildaburg, Germany, reaching the rank of SP4. Upon his honorable discharge from the service, he went on to work for RACO as a general foreman and a laborer. He retired after 43 years.

          Rich enjoyed the outdoors, deer hunting in West Virginia with his best friends, fishing and gardening. His planting business ‘The Little Plant House That Could’ was in business for over 20 years. Rich enjoyed going to the casinos and the native culture. He was a longtime member of the Chain-O-Lakes Conservation Club, a member of American Legion post 357, and a former member of the Lydick United Methodist Church.

          Rich is survived by his three daughters. Erika K. (Lee) Watkins, Tabatha S. (Kurt) Cramm, and Tonya S. (Walt) Fox all of South Bend. He was the proud grandfather of three, Dominick (Brittany) Harpole, Angelica (Nate) Watkins and Megan Cramm, great-grandfather of three great grandchildren, Brayden Click, Lola Bishop and Mason Harpole. He is also survived by his sister, Kay Soule of Walkerton, IN and a brother-in-law, Dean Cooper of New Carlisle. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, a sister, two brothers, his in-laws, and a nephew Darren Cooper.

          Friends may visit in the Hanley and Sons Funeral Home, 23421 State Rd. 23, on Monday, November 29th from 4 until 8:00pm and one hour prior to the service.  A service celebrating Rich’s life will be held at Noon on Tuesday, November 30th, in the funeral home on Tuesday with Pastor Denny Soule officiating. He will be laid to rest next to his wife in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery of South Bend. Memorial contributions may be made in Rich’s name to Hospice of St. Joseph County, Hospice foundation, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

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