Richard "Rick" Douglas Barth, 71, of Centerville, Indiana, passed away on March 4, 2026 at his home after an illness. Born on February 2, 1955 to Eugene and Avis Arlene (Fieldsend) Barth, Rick lived in the area most of his life. He was the kind of person who never sought the spotlight, but was the foundation for everyone around him. In his younger days, Rick was an esteemed runner, holding track records at Centerville High School for many years. Upon graduation from high school, Rick entered the United States Air Force, where he served from 1973-1979. After being stationed in Arizona, California, and Thailand, he returned to the area and graduated from Indiana University East with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. He then served his community with a long, 44 year career in law enforcement with the Wayne County Sheriff's Department. Additionally, he worked in the lumber department at Lowe's for 15 years, for Officer Tom's Home Improvement, and for numerous family and friends; fixing anything and everything that needed fixed. A hard worker his entire life, one of Rick's favorite quotes to share was "Never slow down, never grow old." Rick, also lovingly called Pocket Rocket, Big Dog, The Grinch, and Grampie, was known to blast rock and roll music, particularly his favorite band, Metallica. A surprisingly talented baker of apple pies, he also truly enjoyed hosting holiday celebrations for his family, where he was always happy to serve his signature dish, biscuits & gravy. Christmastime was special to Rick; he adored being the master memory-maker, turning present-opening into a high-stakes game.
Rick is survived by his wife, Lisa (Carnes) Barth, his children, Katie Frances (Mike) Kitchin, Craig Douglas Barth, and Margaret Arlene "Meg" (Jerrod) Sparks, his grandsons, Grant, Clark, and Scott Kitchin, sisters, Theresa Little and Mary Kay Barth, brothers, Kenny (Pat) Barth, Wayne (Jeannie) Barth, and Darren Barth, sisters-in-law, Julie Stout, and Amy (Dave) Shake, brother-in-law Art Creech, step-children, Lee Simmons, Hannah (John) Marinakes, and step-grandchildren, Liam & Helena Grace Marinakes. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law, Jim Little and David Stout, sister-in-law, Sallye Creech, and chosen family, Herb and Mary Lou Doren.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a funeral service at 2 p.m. officiated by pastor Tim Basford (Rick's childhood friend) at Riggle-Waltermann Mortuary: 32 South 11th Street, Richmond, Indiana, 47374. Burial at Crown Hill Cemetery in Centerville, Indiana will immediately follow. A jeans, hat, and t-shirt kind of guy, Rick would be the first to say casual attire is welcome; please feel free to wear your favorite rock-and-roll or sports tee. In memory of Rick's 4-legged best bud, the late Feedoe, please consider a donation to HELP the Animals, Inc. in lieu of flowers.