Richard Allen Law

February 18, 1938 – January 2, 2025

Richard Allen Law, 86, Ekin, Ind., passed away on Thursday morning, January 2, 2025, at Sunrise of Old Meridian in Carmel. Born February 18, 1938, in the family home in Ekin, he was the son of the late Donel Richard and Marjorie Pauline (Partlow) Law.

He was a 1956 graduate of Sheridan High School, where he was a dedicated athlete, as well as an active member of the Future Farmers of America (to which he later became a lifetime alumni member). Following graduation, Richard proudly and honorably served in the National Guard. He was a member of the East Union Christian Church (where he served as an Honorary Deacon), Pickard Lodge F&AM 690, and the Ekin Odd Fellows Lodge.

A lifetime resident of Ekin, Richard was the unofficial historian of the community. He knew and shared the tales (quite a few of them very, very, tall) of the colorful characters who called Ekin home.

Richard was a dedicated farmer throughout his life, truly embodying the spirit of a steward of the land. Growing up on the family farm, Richard, being the oldest of five children, usually got the short end of the chore stick. Those early years growing up on the farm, following in his father’s footsteps, caring for the animals and attending to the crops, instilled in him a love for the land and a passion for farming. One of his first jobs off the farm was working for Chrysler in Kokomo. Even though that was steady work at the time, that wasn’t where his heart was at. Richard eventually left Chrysler and returned to the farm to work alongside his father, learning the best way a young farmer can – by doing, and learning from those who share the same passion for agriculture. As the farm operation started to grow, Richard was joined by his younger siblings. Together, John, Donnie, and Richard worked tirelessly to build Law Brothers Farms into what it has become, and what is stands for – dedication and family.

Looking out his window over the farm, or on one of his many walks to work, the whole operation was more than Richard could have ever imagined all those years ago, yet at the same time was exactly what he dreamed it would become. To Richard, the farm was more than a livelihood, it was a legacy that was built around generosity, pride, and a labor of love that connected multiple generations. One of his most humbling moments was when he was awarded the Indiana Prairie Farmer’s Master Farmer Award.

When the days (and nights) warmed up, the daytime was reserved for farm work, but the evenings were reserved for pitching horseshoes. Richard was a member of the American Horseshoe Pitching Association, pitching at Biddle Park in Sheridan for over 40 years. Be it skill, luck, or holding his mouth just right, he earned a well-deserved spot in the Horseshoe Pitching Hall of Fame. He also enjoyed several family hunting and fishing trips, and loved to be on the water, whether boating, water skiing or fishing.

Family was always at the center of Richard’s life. On May 29, 1959, Richard married Marianna McKinney, and together they raised two children, Kimberly Sue (born in 1959) and Mark Allen (born in 1964). They shared a loving and strong family bond until Marianna’s passing in 1984. Richard continued to cherish the family they built together. Richard was lucky enough to find love twice in his life. In February of 1985, he married Nancy Bankert, and they enjoyed many happy years together until her passing in 2011. Richard was again blessed to share his life with his devoted partner, Louella Stanley. Their bond was one of deep affection, and their love and companionship brought Richard great strength and happiness. While they weren’t married, the bond they shared was clear to all who knew them.

Richard is survived by his children, Kimberly (Roger) Rudolph and Mark (Melissa) Law; his beloved siblings, Bernetta (Larry) Scott, John (Chris) Law and Donnie (Susie) Law; and his brothers-in-law, Larry McKinney and Mike McKinney. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren, Matt Rudolph, Kristin Ray, Claire Law, Wyatt Law, John H. Law, Boone Law, and Ellery Law, as well as three great-grandchildren, Logan Ray, Granger Ray, and Kolt Ray. They brought him great joy and pride. He was deeply loved by his family and friends, and his memory will be held in their hearts forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donel Richard and Marjorie Pauline (Partlow) Law; sister, Betty Moore; brother-in-law, Kenny Moore; his first wife, Marianna (McKinney) Law on July 28, 1984; and by his second wife, Nancy Berniece (Bankert) Law on November 28, 2011.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in East Union, Ind. Pastor Rex Dunning and Pastor Mark Knapp will be officiating. Visitation will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Kercheval Funeral Home in Sheridan, with Masonic services taking place at 7 p.m.

Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com