Richard "Dick" Lee Yadon

Richard Lee Yadon, our Dad, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024, from complications of dementia. His friends and family called him “Dick” and his Dad called him “Ricky Dick O”. 

Dad was born June 24, 1951 to H. Wayne Yadon and Frieda Maurine (Hornbaker) Yadon. He was the 5th of 6 children. His siblings are Billy Wayne d.2017 (wife Marsha), Sondra (husband Ronnie Ireland), Judith Ann (husband Bill Stanley d.2020) Bruce Wayne d. 2006 and John Anthony (wife Connie). He had 11 nieces and nephews.  A lifelong Hoosier, Richard attended Gray School and was a 1969 graduate of Redkey High School, home of the Wolves. 

Together with Wanda C. Reid (Hague) they had two daughters, Lisa Maurine Robinson (husband Mike) and myself, Lori Lee Phillips (husband Shawn). Richard had four grandsons, Christian Alan Robinson (wife Courtney), Brandon Michael Robinson (special friend, Bailey Smith), Jake C. Phillips, and Zack Richard Phillips. He had 4 great-grandchildren. Arlo Thomas Robinson, Jonah Gilbert Robinson, Reid Matthew Robinson and Ellis Margaret Robinson. 

Dad was an electrician for decades and got his journeyman’s license in the 1980’s. He worked at Jennerjahn Machine in Hartford City for a couple of years before he went on to work for Borg Warner in 1986 where he was maintenance/ machine repairman. He complained about that job, but he knew it was a blessing to our family. He worked there until the Muncie plant closed.

Dad’s passion was music and playing the guitar for as long as we can remember. It used to drive us crazy when we were little but we grew to love it! He sang in church and a couple of bands and he had such a beautiful Baritone voice it could bring one to tears! Lisa and Dad sang every Sunday in church for years! Their voices were angelic together!

Dad was definitely country when country wasn’t cool! Loved the classics and I think Willie was a hero of his! He got to meet him at Emens Auditorium, back stage! He LOVED to dance and was quite good at it too! 

He also enjoyed woodworking and made some amazing pieces of furniture, custom guitars and decorative wood pieces. He was truly talented and he did not realize how much so.  He was one of the funniest people I have ever known! He had a way and was so witty! 

Lisa and I have mourned Dad for almost 5 years. Dementia will do that you see. It’s been coined “The Long Goodbye”. One of the most challenging, terrible things we have been through. He will be missed immensely but we are at peace knowing Dad is at peace, no longer suffering and with Jesus and his family that has passed before him. 

 Be an advocate for your loved ones! Advocate and fight hard because in the end, you may be all they have. 

 Fly high, Dad. Until we meet again, we love you. 

 At the family’s request, there will be no services at this time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard and Sons Funeral Home in Daleville. 

You may express condolences or share a memory of Dick at www.ballardandsons.com