Richard E. "Dick" Day

Richard E. “Dick” Day, 94, of Akron and Rochester, Indiana passed Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023 at Life Care Center of Rochester, Indiana. Dick was born on Feb. 7, 1929 to the late Joseph and Helen (Miller) Day. He was a 1946 graduate of Akron High School. As an elementary student he helped the janitor after school and delivered the South Bend Tribune. In junior high and high school he played the drums in the school band and basketball. He carried both those activities into adulthood. After school Dick attended Coine Electrical School in Chicago. He then returned to Akron and began working for the Erie Railroad in the signal department. He was sent to several locations before being transferred to Hammond, Ind. where he worked until returning to Akron in 1963. On Sept. 4, 1947, in Indianapolis, he married Julia “Judy” Ann Bidwell. Soon after daughter Pam was born, followed by son Joe while living in Hammond. Dick also worked painting for local contractors around Hammond. He also completed the entire second story of their home after contractors added it. In 1963, Dick and Judy purchased what became Day Hardware, which is now the oldest hardware in Indiana. He was a people person and a man of many skills, which led to his success as a hardware owner. Dick was active in the Akron community. He was a member of the Akron Chamber of Commerce, Akron Lions Club, longtime member of the Akron United Methodist Church, and the 4th of July Committee. He was honored as the parade Grand Marshal twice. He also was affiliated with the Republican Party. During his early years in business he began golfing once a week with other businessmen. It was a hobby he enjoyed his whole life. Dick and Judy began traveling to Florida in the winter in the 1970’s. Sadly Judy preceded him in death on March 14, 1996. His golfing friends introduced him to Georgia Ann Delp. He married her on September 28, 2002 at the Rochester City Golf Course on the 18th green. They enjoyed being together for many years. She preceded him on June 10, 2021. They loved playing golf, traveling, and wintering in Florida. They loved to watch the grandchildren in all their activities, especially sports. They enjoyed watching college basketball, especially IU. Over the years, Dick worked with his son in the Hardware. He still came to the Hardware in his later years replacing window screens or just to visit with friends. In addition to mentoring his family, he was a big part of many young people’s lives through the Hardware. In his 90’s his health began to fail. His final years were at Life Care Center of Rochester. The family appreciated all the care and kindness at the nursing home and from Gentiva. His wisdom and love will be missed not only by family but also by many people who knew and loved him. He is survived by his children Pamela Vandermark of Akron and Joe and wife Marianne Day of Akron; grandchildren Leann and husband John Carr of Akron, David and wife Angela Madeford of Akron, Scott and wife Tiffany Cooksey, Akron, Kevin and wife Carrie Cooksey of Silver Lake, Jared Vandermark, Shreveport, Louisiana; great grandchildren Devin wife Kaylyn Madeford, Thane Madeford, Bryce Madeford, Ian, Lillian, Blake, and Ella Cooksey, Alyxandria; and great great Hudson, Sawyer, Aubree, and Preslee; and step children David wife Caren Delp and John and wife Jennifer Delp. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, both wives Judy and Georgia Ann, grandson Patrick Day, and son-in-laws Joey Madeford and Jim Vandermark. The funeral service will take place at 10:30 am, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, IN with Pastor Rev. Tara Hornbacker and Jim Saner officiating. The interment will take place in the Akron Cemetery, Akron, Indiana next to his wife Judy. Visitation hours will be held from 3:00 p m to 8 p m, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, Indiana. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Henry Twp. Fire Dept., Akron Cemetery Association and Akron Community Center.

Richard E. "Dick" Day

February 7, 1929 - December 28, 2023