Final Salute

Richard Allen Pharr, age 91, of Ithaca, MI, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Schnepp Senior Care and Rehab Center, St. Louis, MI.

Richard was born July 17, 1933, in Detroit, MI, the son of Ernest and May (Olsen) Pharr. He was a 1951 graduate of Ithaca High School and married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Ann Mac Laren on June 27, 1954, at the Ithaca First Presbyterian Church. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Seabee Masonry from March 13, 1956, until his honorable discharge on November 11, 1957.

After leaving the service, Richard continued his work as a concrete mason for several companies, including Collision Construction, Christman Construction and retired from Granger Construction on October 3, 1994. He was a member of the Local Cement Mason Unions in Lansing, Saginaw and St. Louis.

Richard was a life member of the Ithaca First Presbyterian Church. He was a founding member of the Ithaca American Legion and a member of the Alma Elks Lodge #1400.

Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing and always looked forward to his annual fishing trips to Canada with family and friends. He had a special gift in woodworking and has gifted his family members special pieces they all proudly display in their homes. He and Barbara Ann bought their first HO Scale Model Train in 1954 and together they created an entire village to display their trains in their basement. Richard also built and flew remote control airplanes and enjoyed putting on shows at his “Pharr Flying Field,” at his family farm in Ithaca. He was an avid football fan, especially the Detroit Lions.

Richard’s greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially sharing his passions and hobbies with his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all.

Richard is survived by his children Laren (Cherie) Pharr, Mary (Bill) Hurley, Diane Pharr (Mark Van De Perre); son-in-law, Kurt Velnetske; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren with one more on the way.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 70 years Barbara Ann; a daughter Patricia Velnetske; his parents Ernest and May; a brother Ernie Pharr; father and mother-in-law JD and Lena Mac Laren; brother-in-law Delos Mac Laren; and sister-in-law Bona Lou Beckley.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 11:30 am at the Newark Township Hall with Pastor Susan Sickelka of the Ithaca First Presbyterian Church officiating. Interment will follow in Ithaca Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of services at the Newark Township Hall. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Ithaca American Legion.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home, Alma. To view Richard’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com