Richard Albert Wahlman, age 73, passed away peacefully at his home in San Jacinto on September 10, 2024.  Richard was born on May 21, 1951 to Ronald and Mary Jo (Schumann) Wahlman. He was a proud resident of San Jacinto his whole life and a member of Graham Baptist Church.

Richard was a 1969 graduate of Jennings County High School.  He married Susan Stearns on December 18, 1971 at First Christian Church in North Vernon.  Richard was a dairy, tobacco, grain, and hog farmer for most of his life.  In his later years he served as a deputy in both the recorder's and clerk's offices at the Jennings County Courthouse.  He also served as a supervisor on the board of the Jennings County Soil and Water Conservation District.  In 1992 Wahlman Farms was recognized as Conservationist of the year.  He served as trustee of Bigger Township and was a current member of the advisory board.  Richard also served as vice president of the Farmers' Union for several years.  His only venture into coaching was assistant coach for the 2022 Brush Creek Braves boys' basketball team which yielded an undefeated season and a county championship.

His focus and passion were his family.  He loved hosting family gatherings where he would crank homemade ice cream with his grandchildren.  The annual Halloween hayride and scavenger hunt were a family favorite.  Many happy hours were spent watching multiple grandchildren participate in sporting events.  Basketball, baseball, football, cross country, soccer, volleyball, track, and gymnastics provided many cherished memories. He learned to appreciate band and jazz music through his grandchildren as well. Richard enjoyed the outdoors and shared his extensive knowledge of the woods with his grandchildren.  His background as a farmer also inspired an unmatched work ethic.  Nothing brought a bigger smile to his face then to see his whole family, armed with pruners and heading toward the vineyard.  He also crafted many beautiful and unique pieces of furniture - all from wood he harvested on the farm.

He is survived by his wife Susan, son Joel (Megan) Wahlman of San Jacinto,  daughters  Leslee (Justin) Brown of North Vernon, and Leah (Jake) Ison of San Jacinto; grandchildren Elizabeth, Elijah, Zachary, and Veronica Wahlman,  Ethan and Lucy Brown, Brock, Blaine, Brogan, and Blair Ison, brother Larry (Judy) Wahlman, sister Leanne (Vince) Rettig, sister-in-law, Jill Wahlman, and in-laws Max and Marilyn Stearns.

Mr. Wahlman was preceded in death by his parents and brother Joe Wahlman.

His gentle and humble spirit will be cherished forever.

"What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us."

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 am Monday, September 16, 2024 at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral and Cremation Service in North Vernon, Indiana. Family and friends may call from 2-6 pm on Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Graham Baptist Cemetery in San Jacinto.

Memorial donations may be given to St Jude Hospital or Memories of Bigger Township Scholarship Fund.