Richard Lee “Rich” Day, 79, of Frankfort, was welcomed home by his Heavenly Father, Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Wesley Manor. Rich was born January 3, 1947, in Frankfort to Hoy Curtis and Mary Helen (O’Brien) Day. He married Donna Kay Pugh on September 17, 1977, and she survives.
Richard began high school at St. Meinrad in 1961, and graduated from Frankfort High School, in 1965. After high school, he became a Novitiate with the Marianist in New York. He then attended the University of Dayton. In 1968, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio and attended Kent State University. Rich served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1969-1971 and spent much of that time in Ethiopia. When back he continued his education at Purdue University where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. He spent the majority of his working career as an educator, teaching 5th grade and then 1st grade for South Side Elementary School and Blue Ridge Elementary before his retirement in 2010. He also spent some time working for JC Penney and the United Postal Service.
Rich had a passion for people and serving others. When he wasn’t teaching the youth of Frankfort, he was giving of his time and energy to helping others. He was one of the founders of Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Frankfort, served in the prison ministry programs in Plainfield and Frankfort, helping people earn their GED through the Learning Network, tutoring students, and mentoring men on jail release programs.
Rich was also a devoted man of faith and served his Lord God faithfully. He was a member for much of his life of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he played the organ, directed the choirs, taught Sunday School and helped run the Youth Ministry Program. He was always looking to find deeper meaning and devotion in God’s word and would attend other churches to grow in his faith journey, including Frankfort Bible Holiness, Oakland Christian Church and most recently Community Christian Church. He truly lived by the rule that he taught his son’s, “If God gave me the talent to use in the world, I also need to use the talent to serve and praise Him.”
Above all things, Richard was a man that loved deeply and unconditionally, especially his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Donna, and an active participant in his son’s lives, through church activities, being a boy scout leader, and though often a man of few words, the biggest way he showed his love to his boys was simply showing up to their many concerts, plays, awards programs and other events. His love for his family grew as his family grew as daughters-in-law and grandchildren were added to the family and he took great pride in showing up for them as well. He was truly the epitome of what a Godly family man looked like to his family.
Along with his wife of nearly 49 years, Richard is survived by his sons, Patrick (Tashia) Day, Brian (Christina) Day and Joseph (Kelli) Day; siblings, Joyce (Dan) Houser, Margie (Mike) Roberts, and Paul (Kathy) Day; sister-in-law, Pam Day; grandchildren, Ruby and Sophie Day, Grant, Mason, Anthony and Parker Day, Connor and Keegan Day; step-grandchildren, Vander and Dane Lindvall; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, James “Jim” Day and Robert “Bob” Day.
Visitation will be held Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 2pm until the time of the funeral service at 5pm at Community Christian Church in Frankfort. A private family burial will be held at a later date at Green Lawn Cemetery in Frankfort. Military rites will be performed by Clinton County Honor Guard. Day & Genda Funeral Home is assisting with the services. Memorial contributions in Richard’s honor may be made to Clinton County Jail Ministries. Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com.