Richard "Rick" Addison Coburn, Sr., a loving, hardworking and selfless man, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, August 19th, 2023, at Northwest Health - La Porte, at the age of 82. Born on July 1st, 1941, in Morgantown, WV to Robert and Thelma Mae (Savage) Coburn, Rick grew up to become a person of remarkable character and resilience.
Rick was united in holy matrimony to Geneva "Jenny" Eileen Wilson on July 18, 1959, in Baltimore, Maryland. Their bond of love has been a testament to their commitment and dedication to each other. Their union was blessed with a beautiful family that includes their children Richard "Rick" Coburn, Jr., Steve (Rosie) Coburn, Vicky (Doug) Samuelson, Terry (Terry) Hazelgrove, and Kim (JR) Kubaszyk. Rick was a proud grandfather to 14 grandchildren, Ricky (Brandie) Coburn, Ryan Rospierski, Joshua (Nikki) Samuelson, Morgan (Aaron) Platt, Nicholas (Caitlin) Hazelgrove, Jenifer (James) Samuelson, Clinton (Liz) Coburn, Brandon Kubaszyk, Connor (Jessica) Coburn, Ashley (Pablo) Pesa, Jonathon (Quinn) Samuelson, Garrett (Saige) Kubaszyk, Robert Coburn, and Keegan Kubaszyk; 17 great-grandchildren, Austin, Aaron, Destinee, and Kamerin Rospierski, Peyton Kubaszyk, Finnegan Hazelgrove, Russell Samuelson, Carson Coburn, Adeline Hazelgrove, Mitchell Samuelson, Elliott Platt, Lydia Samuelson, Olivia Coburn, Adrianna Weir, Piper Hazelgrove, Cora Pesa, and James Weir; 1 great-grandson on the way; 1 great-great granddaughter, Ainslee Wogoman; and 1 great-great-grandson on the way. Rick is also survived by his sisters, Barbara Ann Meeks (Harry deceased) and Doris Jean Flinchum (Joe deceased); brother, Charles (Debbie) Coburn, Sr.; sister-in-law, Mary Coburn; and several nieces and nephews.
Rick served his country with honor in the US Navy as a Mess Specialist on the USS Pocono, completing his basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Station. After his service, he worked as a painter and sand blaster with Better Buildings Inc in Baltimore and his talents afforded him the opportunity to assist in painting interior walls of the White House. After relocating from Maryland to Indiana, Rick began what became his last employment with New York Blower Company and after 38 years, he retired as a Production Coordinator. His dedication to his work and his exceptional skills were a testament to his character.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Rick was a man of many hobbies. He loved woodworking, solving word searches, and was a lifelong fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Bears. He enjoyed spending time with Jenny at the Blue Chip and Four Winds, as well as travelling and several cruises. He found joy in gardening and working in his yard. Rick was a lover of Americana, and his love for his country was evident in everything he did. But most importantly he loved and cherished his family very much.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Robert, Jr. and Ronald "Bud" Coburn. His life was a living example of a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well."
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 25th, 2023, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Pastor Jeff Zigler officiating. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow at Patton Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Thursday, August 24th, 2023, and from 9:30 am until the time of the service on Friday at the funeral home.
In memory of Rick, donations may be made to Boys Town, PO Box 8000, Boys Town, NE 68010. Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlercares.com. Rick's legacy of love, selflessness, and dedication will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
