Final Salute

Richard J. Tenbarge, 89, of Evansville, passed away Thursday, August 21, 2025 at the Linda E. White Hospice House. He was born September 26, 1935 in Evansville to the late Vincent J. and Veronica Rose (Schmitt) Tenbarge.

Richard was a graduate of Memorial High School in 1953. He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving with the Seabee Unit and he participated in the naval mission, Operation Deep Freeze, and served at the first scientific base at McMurdo Sound in the settlement of Antarctica. Richard graduated with a master’s degree at the University of Evansville and attended the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville. He retired as a deputy chief of the Evansville Police Department after 39 years of service. He was a member of the Evansville Running Club and ran many marathons for a number of years. Richard was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church and the Evansville Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #73.

Richard is survived by his wife of 65 years, Emogene R. (Weinzapfel) Tenbarge; sons, Robert J. (Tami) Tenbarge, John P. Tenbarge and Michael B. (Niki) Tenbarge; daughter, Sheryl L. (Ed) Dwyer; brother, Gene (Marty) Tenbarge; sisters, Susan Wargel and Marjorie (Walt) Helgesen; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his brother, Allen (LaVerne) Tenbarge; and sisters, Lillian (Norman) Wildeman, Doris (Louis) Weinzapfel and Sister Sharon Tenbarge, D.C.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 29, 2025 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 418 N. Wabash Ave., Evansville. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Father Chris Droste officiating. Following Mass, the F.O.P Honor Guard will conduct a service.

Entombment will be held at St. Joseph Mausoleum at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Evansville Rescue Mission, 1400 Professional Boulevard, Evansville, IN 47714 or St. Boniface Parish, St. Boniface Catholic Church, 1626 Glendale Avenue, Evansville, IN 47712.

Condolences may be shared online at www.ziemerfuneralhome.com.