Richard Eldon Cress, Jr.

Richard “Dick” Eldon Cress, Jr., 83, of Peru, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center in Carmel, Indiana.

Dick was born on July 20, 1940 in Peru, Indiana to Richard Eldon Cress, Sr. and Marjorie (Hand) Coppernoll . Dick’s father passed away at a very young age, and he was raised by his step-father,  Carl Coppernoll.  He graduated from Peru High School in 1958. Upon graduation, Dick joined the United States Navy where he served from 1958-1960. Dick worked for Norfolk & Southern Railroad for 42 years as an engineer until his retirement. He was a member of Church of Christ Eastwood in Wabash, Indiana. He was also a member of the Peru Moose Lodge and he served as a volunteer during the winter months delivering Meals on Wheels. He enjoyed golf with friends on a regular basis. Dick was a devoted grandpa…never missing his grandkids and great grandkids school and extra-curricular activities and events. In fact, there wasn’t a sporting event that Dick didn’t enjoy. He could be found at most Peru Tiger home and away sporting events.  

In February 1978, Dick married Dawn (Miller) and she survives. Also surviving are children Michelle Calendine of Bunker Hill, Indiana, Rodney (Cheryl) Cress of Peru, Indiana, Chad (Hope) Poorman of Montpelier, Ohio, and Randy Cress of Peru, Indiana. Dick is also survived by grandchildren: Angela Jodat, Kylee Gilkeson, Jordan Calendine, Brennon Poorman, Victoria Cress, Marisha Good, Devin Studebaker, Kayla Shields, and Elias Ferguson,  great-grandchildren: Leeah, Layla, Kyson, Eliza, Remy, Kamden, Kacen, and soon-to-be Hallie, and a brother David (Chris) Coppernoll of Peru, Indiana. Dick is also survived by his beloved dog, Mya.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-father, Carl Coppernoll, a son, Richard Eldon Cress III, and a sister, Mary Green.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, July 22, 2024 from 1:00pm-4:00pm at the Peru Moose Lodge, 110 North Broadway, Peru, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Church of Christ Eastwood, 80 East Hill Street, Wabash, Indiana 46992 and Peru Moose Lodge Scholarship Fund, 110 North Broadway, Peru, Indiana 46970.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Eldon Cress, Jr., please visit our floral store.