Richard Wayne Modesitt August 5, 1956 – September 16, 2020

Richard Wayne Modesitt, beloved husband and father, passed away in the Intensive Care Unit of Union
Hospital on September 16, 2020. He was born in Terre Haute on August 5, 1956. He was the oldest
child of Wayne Levere and Barbara Ann Edwards Modesitt of Cory, Indiana, and they preceded him in
death. Rick married Kathryn Ann Brown on June 11, 1978.
Survivors include his wife Kathy, daughter Luann Modesitt (fiancé Erik Heng and son David) and son John
Richard Modesitt of Terre Haute. He is also survived by sister Tamara Ray (Doug) of Chesterfield,
Virginia, brother Philip Modesitt (Martha Ann) of Palo Pinto, Texas, brother-in-law Lawrence Jay Brown
(Anne) of Charlotte, North Carolina, several nieces, nephews, and extended family scattered across the
country. Rick was greeted at the Rainbow Bridge by the numerous cats and dogs that he had loved and
cared for over the years. Despite his grumbling over their antics he left behind a crew of animals that
loved him, and will miss him, especially his special cats Checkers and Gregory.
Rick graduated from Clay City High School in 1974. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business
Administration from Indiana State University in 1990 and a master’s degree from the University in
Criminology in 2007. He earned both degrees while working full time and farming.
He began working in high school at his grandparent’s jewelry store, Edwards Jewelers, and was a natural
salesman. He enjoyed working with people in retail. When the store closed in 1990, he went to work
for the Bureau of Prisons as a correctional officer at the U.S. Penitentiary at Terre Haute. While there
he served as treasurer for the local union and as a member of the Hostage Negotiation Team. He retired
from the prison in 2013. During this time, he also served as adjunct faculty at Oakland City University,
Harrison College, and Indiana State University teaching various classes in business and criminology. He
also worked with his father on the family farm outside Cory raising crops, hogs, and cattle.
Rick was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity, the Indiana State University Sycamore Varsity Club, and
Unity Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and Trustee. He enjoyed spending time with
family and friends, attending Indiana State University basketball and football games, the Indianapolis
500, travelling to Las Vegas, farming, and following the markets. Rick could talk to anyone and never
met a stranger.
The family would like to thank the nurses in Union Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit for their care of Rick.
We would also like to thank the congregation of Unity Presbyterian Church for their support.
Private graveside services will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery with Pastor Andrew Black officiating.
A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, September 23, at Unity Presbyterian Church, with
visitation from 4:30 to 5:30, and the celebration at 6:00 led by Pastor Andrew. The visitation and
celebration will be outdoors at the church. The family requests that masks be worn, and social
distancing practices be followed. Chairs will be provided but you may want to bring your own. The
family also kindly requests in lieu of flowers a donation be considered to one of the following; Unity
Presbyterian Church, 1207 East Springhill Dr, Terre Haute, IN 47802, the Terre Haute Humane Society,
1811 S. Fruitridge Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47803, or the charity of your choice.