Richard Dean Zink Sr.

Richard Dean Zink Sr, 64 of Independence, Indiana passed away at his home on Thursday evening, April 9th, 2026 with his loving family by his side.

Richard was born on January 15th, 1962 in Lafayette, Indiana and was the son of Michael Karl Zink Sr. and Nancy Luetta (Webb) Zink.  He grew up in Lafayette, was a Boilermaker fan for life and graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School in 1980.  Richard served his country by enlisting in the United States Navy, sailing on the USS Biddle in the Atlantic ocean, traveling to France and was deployed during the October 1983 bombing of the Marine barracks in Lebanon, while serving a 3 year enlistment from 1981 to 1984 and being discharged as an 3rd class Petty Officer, EN3.   While in-service, he reconnected with  the love of his life Lisa Lynn Pruitt.  The couple dated for 4 years and were married on July 4th, 1986. Richard and Lisa had almost 40 years together raising a family to include son Richard Dean Zink Jr and daughters Katie M. Dyer ( partner Isaac Mullins) and Erica Chyenne (Jack) Smith.

Richard was a large machine repairman by trade, earning several certificates at Ivy Tech Community College. Not only did he enjoy his craft, he loved Nascar, particularly driver Rusty Wallace, and playing Euchre and eventually being retired and and sitting on the deck with his beloved wife Lisa.  He enjoyed all sports, engaged in constant arm-chair quarterbacking, and was always being reminded by granddaughter Charlotte "Papaw, they can't hear you!".   He enjoyed the country life, puttering around his property with his son-in-law Jack.  However, Richard's greatest joy was being a husband, Dad, and papaw.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, son, daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren Zaidrick Mullins, and Charlotte, Forest, Cora and Evelyn Smith; brother Michael Karl (Jeff) Zink Jr. and sisters Janet (Greg) Brennan and Monica (David) Bever.   Richard was preceded in death by his parents and brother Fred Zink.

In accordance with Richard's wishes, cremation rites were accorded.  A private burial will follow at a later date.  His family is very grateful for the kindness and compassion given to them by Red Crest Hospice and the IU Arnette ambulance team.