Richard Z. “Dick” MidkiffFRANKLIN, IN
Richard Z. “Dick” Midkiff, Sr., 86 , died on December 26, 2020 at the Indiana Masonic Home in Franklin, IN. He was born on September 10, 1934 to Druey “Jack” and Dorothy J. (McMahon) Midkiff at Fort Harrison Army Hospital in Lawrence, IN. They precede him in death along with his brothers David Charles and Larry Michael Midkiff, half-sister Eileen Coppola and daughter Courtney Badillo.
Dick was a 1953 graduate of Beech Grove High School, participating in football. After graduation he went to work for Western Electric as an Installer of microwave systems on towers in southern Indiana. When Uncle Sam contacted him in 1955 Dick visited his local Navy recruiting station and enlisted. He began his service in the U.S. Navy on August 23, 1955 and was trained to be an I.C. Electrician Class “A”, repairing the sperry gyroscope, during which time he was awarded the China Service Medal. Upon his honorable discharge he was transferred to the Navy Reserves until May 18, 1960. He worked at various other jobs from 1960 – 1961 when he became a railroad detective with the New York Central Railroad remaining there until January 1966. Dick joined the Beech Grove Police Department on January 25, 1966 as the 7th officer on the force. He was a Detective for 8 years and attained the rank of Sergeant. Dick obtained his degree of Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from Indiana University on May 16, 1976. He retired from GBPD on July 25, 1986.
Dick decided he was bored and “too young” to retire at age 52 and he started a business named D&S Flag Car Service in August 1986. He put a yellow flashing light on top of his pick-up truck, signs that read “Oversize Load” on the front and back, installed a CB radio in the cab and was ready to escort semis hauling oversized loads across the country and into Canada. Dick thoroughly enjoyed his travels, the great people he met, and the beautiful scenery along the route. He sold the business in 2001 to his brother-in-law Bob Davey, but there were many days that he still felt too young to retire!
Dick became a Master Mason on November 28, 1972 and was Past Master of Monument Lodge No. 657 F&AM in 1994. He was a Charter member of Devol Lodge No. 766 F&AM at the Indiana Masonic Home until his death. His other masonic memberships included: DeMolay Legion of Honor, Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis, Shelby Chapter No. 20 Royal Arch Masons, Emil L. Steffey No. 3 Council of Cryptic Masons, Baldwin Commandry No. 2 Knights Templar, Marvin L. Isley York Rite College No. 129, Indiana Masonic Home High Twelve Club No. 545, National Sojourners IMH Chapter #541, Young’s Creek Camp, Heroes of ’76, Charter Member of Ransford IMH Chapter No. 605 Oder of the Eastern Star, Charter Member of Daylight Court No. 31 and Alice Court No. 30 Order of the Amaranth, Indiana Sheriff’s Association, American Legion, VFW Post 6978, and the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (Life Member), twice Past President of Beech Grove Kiwanis.
Dick married Sue (Scott) Archer on July 8, 1978 in Indianapolis, IN, she survives along with his sister D. Rebecca (Becky) Nelson and first wife Marie Hinshaw. Between them they had five children: Richard Z. Midkiff, Jr. (Beth), Kimberly (Scott) Shepherd, Cher Klase and Melissa Archer blending their family. They have been blessed with 12 grandchildren: Daniel Midkiff, Chrissy Hendrix, Jessica (Omar) Diaz, Jeremy (Morgan) Shepherd, Joshua (Lauren) Shepherd, Jennifer (Alex) Gurtcheff, Sean Koch, James Skaggs, Tyler (Shelby) Klase, Austin Klase, Jenna Hodges and Owen Hodges; 13 great-grandchildren: Wyatt Koch, Elias Diaz, Ezra Diaz, Samuel Shepherd, August Shepherd, Maximus Shepherd, Rory Shepherd, Callen Shepherd, Amelia Shepherd; Brooklynn Hodges; Jack Klase, Waylon Klase and Nora Jane Klase.
Dick and Sue relocated from Indianapolis to Franklin, IN in June 1999 and moved to the Indiana Masonic Home. After Dick’s “retirement” in 2001 from their pilot car service he worked at several jobs on the IMH campus and around the city of Franklin. Dick was appointed to the Johnson County Sherriff’s Department as a Reserve Deputy by then Sherriff Terry McLaughlin and was assigned to visit and report on registered sex offenders within Johnson County. Dick held that position for 7 years.
Dick was a loving and caring husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A private service will be conducted on Thursday January 7, 2021 at 1:30 P.M. and live-streamed for family and friends to connect at www.swartzmortuary.com/obituary/richard-midkiff. Burial with military honors will be in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Greenwood, IN.
Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.
In lieu of flowers, Sue requests memorial contributions be made payable to the Indiana Masonic Home Foundation, P.O. Box 44210, Indianapolis, IN 46209-4489.
