Richard Earl Mann, Jr.

Richard Earl “Ritchie” Mann, 61, of Goshen, Indiana passed away at home after a long battle with Alzheimers.

Ritchie was born in Elkhart Indiana to Richard and Carol (Miller) Mann who have gone on before him to prepare the way.

Ritchie is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Terri and Rodney Masters; his niece Stefanie (Jarad) Miller; and nephew Ricky (Jackie) Masters. He has three great-nieces, Karolyna, Gigi and Lila.  He is survived by many aunts and uncles, Shirlee (Dean) Lambright, Jacksonville, Florida, Jean (Stan) Shriner, David Miller, Don (deceased) Jackie Mann, Phyllis (Maynard) Weaver, he has too many to list, wonderful, first, second and third cousins.

Ritchie competed in various Special Olympic sports such as track and field, bowling, and basketball.   He always said, “I am the fastest runner!”   After graduating from the Horizon Center, a school for the disabled in Elkhart County, he went on to work at the Association for the Disabled of Elkhart County (ADEC industries) and after retirement, attended the ADEC day program in Goshen.

Ritchie was baptized at Prairie Street Mennonite Church where he grew up.  He later became part of Goshen Mennonite Church, where he enjoyed Sunday School and the Disability Bell Choir, playing bells for nursing homes and churches.  He took part in the Shipshewana GoldenRod retreats for many years where he liked to be in the plays.  He also went to The Vine church in Goshen with his sister, where he helped in the coffee shop and met many new friends.

Ritchie served in various officer positions in Goshen Kiwanis but his favorite was always the Presidency. He was also President for the Power for Independence at ADEC for many years and elected at the state level, as a Board Member for the Self Advocates of Indiana.  He participated in many trips to Indianapolis with ADEC to meet the senators and advocated for disability rights.

He enjoyed traveling to Florida, Jacksonville, Sarasota and Siesta Key where he loved the beaches and spending time with his extended family. He enjoyed playing video games and could often beat us all. He was the self-proclaimed #1 fan for the Cubs, Notre Dame, and the Bears.

Ritchie was a blessing to our family.  He was a “helper guy” and hugger.   He touched many of those who he encountered in his life journey with a kind of unconditionally love and joy that can be hard to find.

Private services will be held at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.

Burial will be at Prairie Street Cemetery, Elkhart.

Memorials can be sent to ADEC at https://adecinc.com/donate or 1671 West Vistula