Richard Read

Richard A. Read, 84 of Elkhart, IN passed away with his family by his side at the Center for Hospice Care ~ Ernestine Raclin House in Mishawaka, IN. Richard was born on September 4, 1941 to Orian J. and Pauline Read in Milwaukee, WI. Richard married Lynda Hummer on December 9, 1983 in Elkhart, IN. She preceded him in death on March 4, 2012.

Richard graduated from Indiana University, Devry Electrical Engineering and earned his aviation degree from Andrews University. He honorably served his country in the United States of America Army National Guard from 1960 -1966. Richard retired as a pilot. He was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church on Beardsley, where he sang in the choir for several years. Richard had a wonderful talent for playing the accordion and was eager to teach others. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially going to the theater to see a play or special performances.  

Richard is survived by children Barbara Read of Niles, MI and Michelle "Shelly "Read of Edwardsburg, MI, Teri Horberg of Tarpon Springs, FL, Toni Volheim of Elkhart B. Kim (Claudia) Volheim of Granger, IN and Kris (Cathy) Volheim of Edwardsburg, MI and his granddaughters, Jessica Sellers, Faith Li and Kassondra Sawyer and Lynda's 10 grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 12 to 2pm on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 where funeral services will be held at 2pm. Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 405 West Beardsley Ave., Elkhart, IN 46514 www.eservivepayments.com  Burial will be at a later date at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI., with full military honors. Online condolences may be made to Richard's family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com