Richard Alan "Rick" Glass

Richard "Rick" Glass Obituary Richard "Rick" Alan Glass of Winona Lake, Indiana went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, September 18, 2025. He passed away in the care of Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, at the age of 75. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to many. A man of strong faith who had a deep love for each and every person in his family. He passed away unexpectedly and his loved ones will miss him dearly, but they have comfort in knowing Rick is whole again in the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ!
He was born on December 9, 1949, in Warsaw, Indiana to Frances Arlene (Sommer) Glass and Roy Edgar Glass, Jr. Rick grew up in a loving household as one of seven children. He graduated from Minerva High School, Minerva, Ohio in 1967. He attended Grace College from 1967-1972, studying communication and from 2002-2005 he attended and earned his BS degree in Elementary Education and Journalism. In 2011 he earned his Master's Degree in Education Technology/Curriculum from Ball State University.
Rick was married to the love of his life, Deborah Ann Stapleton, on June 16, 1973. They were blessed with raising four children and sharing the joy of becoming grandparents and great-grandparents multiple times during their 52 years of marriage together. He was a hardworking family man of many trades and talents. He worked as the manager for NAPA Auto Parts in Warsaw and North Webster for almost 30 years, where he served many of his family and friends. He loved being involved in his community and served on the Winona Lake Fire Department from 1978 - 2008 as a volunteer firefighter, Lieutenant, Public Information Officer, and Chaplain.
He always had the love in his heart for teaching and in 2006 he began officially as Mr. Glass at Harrison Elementary School in Warsaw until his retirement. He came to teaching after a long career in business, he reevaluated his life goals after a heart attack in 2001. Rick stated that "Teaching is a career that will outlive me. I love to teach and I love to get students excited about learning." He believed in project based learning, that technology integration improves student achievement. He created learning partnerships for many of his students and with countless others in classrooms around the world. Specializing in technology integration, social media in Education, digital literacy, and photography. Rick was also the owner and designer of Four Steps Photography in Warsaw from 2012 to present. Working as a freelance photographer specializing in astrophotography, landscapes, wildlife, and sports. He put in the time, commitment, training and determination and earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Rick was recently awarded an honorary second-degree black belt and will be fondly remembered by his instructor and fellow students.
God and family were always a priority in Rick's life and especially just simply being Dad! He was devoted to his family and loved spending time with his kids and grandkids. He enjoyed his church family at Warsaw Community Church where he was loved by many. Rick was a man with a heart for serving his Lord and compassion for others, who demonstrated integrity, kindness, perseverance and love through a life of faith.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Deborah Ann Glass (Warsaw, IN); son, Michael (Sherry) Glass (Jacksonville, FL); three daughters, Heather (John) Wade (Warsaw, IN); Heidi Dolbee (Warsaw, IN); Holly (Ryan) Hummitch (Warsaw, IN); numerous beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind two brothers, Roy (Carol) Glass III (Covington, OH); Jon (Annette) Glass (Englewood, OH); four sisters, Ardith Bonham (Aiken, SC); Joy (Lee) Cornelius (Tipp City, OH); Lori (Greg) Zastrow (Miamisburg, OH); and Lisa (Scott) Brady (Myerstown, PA). He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, and a great-granddaughter.
Rick's life will be celebrated with a memorial service officiated by his dear friend, Randy Polston at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana. Friends and family may visit prior to the service from 10:00 - 2:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw.
Services
Visitation
Monday
September 29, 2025
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home
225 Argonne Road
Warsaw, IN 46580
Memorial Service
Monday
September 29, 2025
2:00 PM
Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home
225 Argonne Road
Warsaw, IN 46580