Richard Monroe Wampler

Richard M. Wampler left his 100 year old body in peace and grace. He was received into the arms of his loving family and friends with celebration. Richard was born in Bloomington, IN on May 5th, 1915 to Laura Beech and Louis L. Wampler. He was large for his age and shortly after his 5th birthday acquired the name "Buster" or "Buss" as they often called him. At an early age, he began contributing to his family by working and living on Albert Worrel's farm while also doing other odd jobs in Bloomington. He was a quick study and could do almost anything. His grandson introduced him on Grandparents' day by saying, "This is my grandpa. He can fix anything." Richard was intelligent and had a thirst for learning. He excelled in school and loved books and music. He and his brother, Louie, often hid in the hayloft and enjoyed hours of bluegrass music played by all his uncles and his Granddad, Jacob. He had an excellent ear for music, always concentrating and listening deeply. He loved to write poetry and draw, especially doodling. He acquired many books by doing odd jobs in trade at old bookshops and antique stores. Richard was a member of the Theosophical Society. He especially loved the books of Annie Besant, Madame Blavatsky and Walt Whitman. In the 1930's, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and was stationed in Medaryville, IN. On weekends, he and his buddies would travel to North Judson for fun. It was there he met Elizabeth "Liz" Vessely and fell in love with her and her family. They married on November 16th, 1938. They lived in Layfayette, IN where they ran the White Cottage Gas Station and Diner. They then moved to Gary, IN for a few years where they both worked in the mills. Richard worked in the planning office and Liz drove a forklift. On Dec 13th,1943 duty called and Richard was inducted into the army. He talks about this time fondly. He traveled to the Philippines, Japan and finally one of his favorite places, Brisbane Australia. There he was on active duty with the 534th Engineering Boat and Shore Regiment until his honorable discharge in 1949. Fortunately, he was kept out of harms way. Richard was very romantic and wrote beautiful love letters to Liz daily. Richard used his discharge money to attend photography school in Chicago. He then turned the garage next to the home they purchased on 211 E State St into a studio and for years made a living photographing individuals, families and weddings. In the late 1950's, he expanded his business to include printing and Studio Printers was born. With the help of his brother in-law, Jim, he expanded the studio space, purchased presses, taught himself the trade and created a thriving business. In 1982, he sold Studio Printers, retired and began spending winters in Florida. Studio Printers is still in business in Knox, IN. Richard was active in the town of North Judson. He served on the town board several times and was president in 1953, 1956 and 1978. As president, he and other members of the board got funding and established a new water treatment system for the town. Their names are on a plaque near the water company entrance. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and loved working with local businesses. He and Liz re-created their lives after retirement in 1982 by living 9 months out of the year in Cape Canaveral, FL. Here he made new friends, enjoyed walking on the beach, doing construction projects for his neighbors, going to yard sales and working in his shed which was an extensive workshop that spilled over onto the terrace. He and Liz blossomed there. They lived as "snowbirds" in Florida until Liz's death in 2001. In 2002, he again recreated his life. He moved caddy corner to the North Judson post office into a house at 202 Central Ave. Here he befriended and became a "Grandfather" to his next door neighbors, twin girls, their mom and their grandmother. He helped the girls with their homework and took them to school. He provided snacks and sometimes meals. Helping him adjust to life without Liz, they showed him great affection, offering hugs and company. He loved going to Bailey's Discount Center, making soups and cooking beautiful meals. He lived in his Central house until Feb 2013. He joined his daughter in Bloomington where he beat all odds and healed from a broken hip at age 97. He made some wonderful friends at the Golden Living Nursing home. He added light and joy to those around him. Richard was creative and resilient. When asked on his birthday what it is like to be 100 years old he said, "It is easy. You just live." Many will miss his positive and sweet disposition. He always had a great big "Howdy" to all those he would pass in the hall. He leaves behind a son, John R. Wampler (Chris), a daughter, Jana Anna, 2 grandsons, Jason (Maggie) and Ben (Shannon) and 6 great grandchildren. He was the last of his generation, preceded in death by all his parents, his brother Louie and all his brothers and sisters by marriage..

Tributes

Richard Monroe Wampler

May 5, 1915 - December 21, 2015