Published: June 29, 2009 07:57 pm      

Calvin Cicero Rich

Calvin C. Rich, 83, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2009, in Dallas, after a two-month illness and surgery. His brothers and sisters knew him as “Feller.” He was born July 9, 1925, in Black Hills, a community northwest of Corsicana in Navarro County.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mattie L. Hutchins Rich; brother, Alvin and Gale Rich of Dallas; children, Mike Eugene Rich, Vickie Marie and Joe Hudson Looney, Marvin Dale and Sandy Borne Rich, James Calvin and Sheryl Hendricks Rich; grandchildren, Mike Eugene Rich Jr., Misty Marie Hudson, Mary Michelle Lilly, Marc Edward Looney, John David Rich, Zachary Dale Rich, David James Rich and Andrew Kyle Rich; and great-grandchildren, Aaron, Emari, Maryan, Eli, Avery Bay and Jack.

Calvin began his career in the oil fields of West Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi before beginning work at Dallas Power and Light (DP&L) in 1947. He retired in 1978 as a supervisor in the Underground Distribution Division with 34 years of service. He then worked for Westinghouse Electric for two and one-half years before returning home to work with the Baptist Men’s Group in Navarro County, donating time and money to help those in need. He also served neighbors by building and repairing their homes or doing whatever was necessary. In the past few years he again retired to his farm, sold the cows and baled hay for neighbors.

He was an active member and teacher at Oak Grove Baptist, Dallas; Pleasant Grove First Baptist for 16 years, Dallas; and in Corsicana at Northside Baptist for 27 years and Cornerstone Baptist. Calvin was ordained a deacon on Oct. 4, 1970, and mentored men, both young and old, throughout his lifetime. He was a godly man with strong convictions about his responsibilities and his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, O.S. Rich and Lena Ray Rich; his brother, Melvin; and sisters, Lucille, Louise, Lena Ruth and Lavern.

He served as a leader in the Black Hills Cemetery Association for most of his life. Any contribution to BHCA in lieu of flowers would be appreciated. Please send to: Black Hills Cemetery Association, in care of Janice Watkins King, 2033 Glenwood Circle, Corsicana, TX 75110; jking2002@sbcglobal.net.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, at Griffin-Roughton Chapel with grandson Andy Rich and the Rev. Brian Robertson officiating. Interment will follow at Black Hills Cemetery.

An online guest book is available at www.griffin-roughton.com by selecting the Calvin C. Rich obituary.

Arrangements by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. ∞