Paul Ryherd

PAUL CHASE RYHERD, 79, loving husband, devoted father, brother, uncle, and much-loved papa of Arthur, IL passed away after a long battle for life at 10:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 21, 2012 at his residence in Arthur, IL. He had courageously confronted the ill-effects of a major heart attack from New Years Day 2008. Paul was born on July 20, 1933 in Gamaliel, KY. He was a veteran of the Korean War and made Arthur his full-time residence after his departure from the Army in 1954. Paul remained in the Army Reserve and received his Honorable Discharge in 1961. He was a son of Edward Lewis and Iva (Proffitt) Ryherd. Paul married Nadine Gray on May 4, 1956 in Arthur, IL.

Paul worked for Progress Industries from the mid 1950’s until 1970, when he purchased “Paul Ryherd & Son,” a milk hauling business which grew into a three truck operation that he owned and operated until fully retiring in 1994. They hauled milk from many area Amish farmers to processing plants in Decatur and Champaign. Paul loved his family and enjoyed spending time and helping them first and foremost. Papa particularly loved his children and grandchildren. Paul was always the first to volunteer when a relative or friend was in need. His hobbies included vegetable gardening, yard work, raising flowers - particularly roses, attending and working with his church, visiting family and friends, and sports. Paul was a huge Chicago Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and fighting Illini fan. Some of his most memorable times included attending those events with his children. Paul was a devoted and active member of the Arthur Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife Nadine of 57 years of Arthur, two children, Rick Ryherd of Carmel, IN and Vicki Cecchini and her husband Eugene of Northville, MI; two grandsons, Ryan Chase of Indianapolis, IN and Dylan James of Northville, MI; eight siblings including, Essie Harlin of Arthur, IL, Carl Ryherd and his wife Leare of Gamaliel, KY, Eva Whitis of Brownsburg, IN, Wilma O’Banion of Gamaliel, KY, Audie Ryherd and his wife Delores of Sullivan, IL, Dwaine Ryherd and his wife Sue of Vandalia, OH, Faye Oye and her husband Duane of Arthur, IL and James Earl Ryherd and his wife Vonda of Gamaliel, KY, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Edward Ryherd, mother Iva, brother Clyde Ryherd, and a sister Dean Davis.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Friday, October 26, 2012 at the Arthur Mennonite Church, 710 East Park Street in Arthur, IL. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at the Arthur Mennonite Church. Rev. Ron Bartanen will officiate. Burial with military rites will be in the Arthur Cemetery. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

The family respectfully requests Memorials are made to the Arthritis Foundation.