Mr. Clifford E. Rich, 75, of LaHarpe, Illinois passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 2:50 AM at McDonough District Hospital in Macomb, Illinois.

He was born June 11, 1932 in Ft. Green township, the son of Roy and Alma Yetter Rich. On January 24, 1954 he married Virginia Rodeffer in Disco, IL.

Mr. Rich attended grade school in Ft. Green, graduated from LaHarpe High School, and attended Western Illinois University. He farmed in the Ft. Green area for 35 years. He loved antiques and operated the Bargain Barn in LaHarpe for 15 years. Mr. Rich was active in politics, having served as a Republican Precinct Committeeman, , chairman of the County Board of Supervisors, and had served on the LaHarpe School Board. He was a member of Shriners of Springfield, IL and a 55 year member of the LaHarpe Masonic Lodge 195. He and Steve Blue were instrumental in starting the Tri States Micro Mini Tractor Pulls in this area.He was a member of the LaHarpe Christian Church. Mr. Rich loved his family and was an avid supporter of local sports and the Cardinals.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia, 4 daughters, Debora (Greg) Wisslead of LaHarpe, Delinda (John) Lucas of Bloomingdale, IL, Deanna Stambaugh of LaHarpe,
and Carol (Jim) Darnell of Quincy, IL, one sister, Margie Zimmerman of Macomb, IL, and 7 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Mary Denise Rich, and one brother, James Rich.

Services will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday, March 29, 2008 at the LaHarpe Christian Church, LaHarpe, IL with Darren Beachy officiating. Masonic Rites will be conducted by the LaHarpe Masonic Lodge. The family will meet with friends prior to the service from1:30 until 3:00 PM. A memorial fund has been established forthe LaHarpe Masonic Lodge #195, the LaHarpe Christian Church or the LaHarpe Summer Ball Program.