Paul Emmerson Ritchie

Paul Emerson Ritchie, 87, of North Vernon, passed away at 9:47 a.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Willows of Greensburg in Greensburg.

Born November 17, 1937, in Indianapolis, he was the son of the late Ralph and Mary (Shanki) Ritchie. He married Helen Spaulding on August 17, 1957, at the Hayden Baptist Church in Hayden; she preceded him in death on April 14, 2018.

Paul was a 1955 graduate of Hayden High School and served in the United States Air Force from 1955-1959. He worked as machinist and on the production line for Cummins Engine Company for 30 years, retiring in 1993, and had previously worked for Thompson Dairy. He was a member of the Six Mile Masonic Lodge #412 in Hayden, Christ Baptist Church in North Vernon, and a former member of Hayden Baptist Church in Hayden. He enjoyed camping, crafts, working, being a neighborhood helper. Paul and Helen enjoyed sightseeing and visited all 48 lower states.

Survivors include his sons, Garrie (Ellen) Ritchie and Steven M. Ritchie, both of North Vernon, and Thomas A. Ritchie of Ironton, Missouri;  companion, Norma Daugherty of North Vernon; grandchildren, G. Allen (Charlotte) Ritchie, Jo Ellen Ritchie, Lauri Ritchie, and Candice (Joe) Davidson, all of North Vernon; Ashley (Cody) Hendrics of Madison, and Tommie (Bethany) Ritchie of Havelock, North Carolina; great-grandchildren, Andrea York, Elleonna Ritchie, Lydia Ritchie, Kaydee Ritchie, Stevie Sue Ritchie, Tomas Ritchie and Nathan Jackson, all of North Vernon, Ethan Herndon and Jacob Ritchie both of Madison, Logan Brefreger of Scipio, Aiden Boyd of Butlerville, Nick Polley, of Westport, and Zoie Ritchie of Havelock, North Carolina; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; brother, Albert Ritchie; and sister, Barbara Wood.

A memorial service for Paul will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Christ Baptist Church in North Vernon with the Rev. Frank McGee officiating. The visitation for family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Private burial will be in the Hayden Cemetery in Hayden.

Memorials may be made through the funeral home to St. Croix Hospice in Seymour.  

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