Richard K. “Rick” Grier, 68, Wabash, passed away at 4:22 p.m. Monday, April 4, 2016, at the Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. He was born to Richard K. Grier of Hampton, N.C., and the late, Wilma (Elshire) Grier on Oct. 31, 1947, in Dayton, Ohio.

Rick was a 1966 graduate of Wabash High School. He retired as a mechanic for the City of Wabash. Rick married Claudia Burker in 1971, she passed away in 2010. He served his country in the United States Army, during Vietnam served in the Infantry Unit Brotherhood of the Big Red One. Rick was a member of the Eagles Lodge 547, VFW Post 286 of Wabash, and American Legion Post 248 of Lagro. Rick had built parade floats in 2000, 2001, and 2002 during Mayor Arvin Copeland time in office. The floats Rick built were designed by John Corso a Hollywood Designer. These floats were pulled by the Wabash Cannonball, they were entered in the Indianapolis 500 every year and all over Northern Indiana.

Rick is survived by two sons: Shayne (Angie) Grier; Nathan (Leona) Grier, both of Wabash; daughter; Michele (Bryan) Tolbert, Hazleton; sister: Laurie Grier Glassburn, Plainfield, Ill.; fiancé: Carol Whitesel, Wabash; 11 grandchildren: Jalen; Thomas; Kamryn; William; Gavin; Brittany; Matthew; Haley Grier; Devan Lambert; Mitchael and Jessica Richardson; five great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 8, at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash, with Erin Huiras officiating. Indian rites will be given by the Miami Nation of Indians of the State of Indiana. Burial will be follow in the Frances Slocum Cemetery in Wabash County. Visitation for family and friends will be from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are directed to Miami Nation of Indians of the State of Indiana, Peru.