Richard Dean Sutherlin

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1575

INDIANAPOLIS

95, of Indianapolis, passed away March 20, 2023. He was born November 27, 1927 in Columbia City, Indiana to the late Harry A. and Waneta Grace (Solt) Sutherlin. Richard was a 1945 graduate of Southport High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII, and married Mary Ellen Evans in 1953. Richard was a lab technician for Eli Lilly &Co. for 42 years, retiring in 1987. While he was at Eli Lilly, he was involved in the formation of the children’s polio vaccine in Indianapolis and was a technician for the Powerhouse in the Greenfield Lab facility.

Richard was a longtime member of Amity United Methodist Church, which became Amity Community Church, where he was a Trustee. He was also a member of Southport Masonic Lodge #270 F. &A.M., the charter president of the Fortville and Mt. Comfort Optimist Clubs, an attendant at the Indiana Transportation Museum, and a volunteer for the Indiana State Fair. When his sons were in their youth, he enjoyed coaching them in Little League baseball and football.

Visitation will be Monday, March 27, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:30 a.m. at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel, 9606 East Washington Street.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Mary Ellen Evans Sutherlin; sons, Gregory Dean (Kathy), David Evans (Patti) and Dennis Allen (Kelly) Sutherlin; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one nephew; and five nieces. A sister, Evelyn Ann Sullivan; and a niece, Cheryl Tomich, preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mount Comfort Optimist Club.