It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Richard Lee Dulin of Crawfordsville, IN — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
The following words honor a life that mattered to many.
The hands that raised children leave fingerprints on the future.
Richard Lee Dulin, age 91, of Crawfordsville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026. Born on January 14, 1935, Richard lived a life marked by hard work, deep faith, enduring love, and meaningful connections with others.
Richard was the son of Homer K. Dulin and Nellie Gray Kern Dulin. He was known for his strong-willed nature, unwavering principles, and genuine gift for conversation. He never met a stranger, and as his children lovingly said, "He never had an enemy." Richard's warm heart, trusting spirit, and loyal friendship left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
After High School Richard spent three years in the US Army as a medic preparing for the Korean War. After returning from the Army Richard dedicated more than fifty years of his life to the tool and die industry, where his craftsmanship and strong work ethic earned him the respect of colleagues and friends alike. Alongside his brother, Basil, he owned and operated a successful shop in Indianapolis for many years. He also attended college and spent time as a Tech school teacher in Crawfordsville, sharing his knowledge and mentoring young people.
A faithful Christian, Richard was a devoted member of Emmanuel Church Garfield Community Campus in Indianapolis, Indiana. He and his beloved wife, Sandra "Sandy" Dulin, shared a life filled with love, faith, and treasured traditions. Sandy preceded him in death. Richard was also preceded in death by his first wife, Mae Louise Rice.
Richard served as an example to Marcus and Jeffrey to serve our country. He was proud of Marcus for dedicating 20 years to the U.S. Navy and for Jeff who served as Navy Hospital Corpsman following in Dad's footsteps. Richard found joy in life's simple pleasures. He was an avid collector of silver half-dollars and unique coins, enjoyed model trains, and had a special passion for remote-control airplanes. Jeffrey especially enjoyed gifting his father RC planes over the years, knowing how much happiness they brought him.
Among Richard's favorite memories were the fishing trips he and Sandy took each spring and fall in Bigfork, Minnesota. It was truly his favorite place. Together, they traveled there twice each year, often joined by family and friends, creating cherished family memories while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors and the thrill of catching-and cooking-their fresh catch.
Richard treasured time spent with his family, including winters in Florida visiting Cheryl and her husband, Mitch. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose love and guidance will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his children, Jeffrey Alan (Betty Ella) Dulin of Crawfordsville, IN; Cheryl Leah (Mitch) McIntire of LaBelle Florida; and Marcus James (Deborah) Dulin of Virginia; and Terry (Susan) Pruett of Inman SC; Phil (Cheryl) Pruett of Connecticut. He also leaves behind fifteen grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra "Sandy" Dulin; his first wife, Mae Louise Rice; his son, Andrew Pruitt; his grandchild, Nicholas Pruitt, his parents, Homer K. and Nellie Gray Kern Dulin; and his brothers, Sterling "Eugene" Dulin and Basil L. Dulin; his sisters, Vernice Cox, Aline Carrell, Sandy Morris, Oveta Turpin, and infant sister, Carrie May Dulin. .
Richard's legacy is one of faith, integrity, kindness, and steadfast love. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather and great-grandfather, and a true friend to all. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
A graveside service will be held at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens 1718 W. 350 N. West Lafayette IN 47906 on Friday May 15, 2026 at 10am.
