Richard Anthony Oldaker was called home to the eternal arms of his Savior on July 19, 2024 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family and in no pain. Richard was born on November 30th, 1958 in Cheyenne, WY to Charles Oldaker and Jackie Taylor. He married Karen Bolin on February 6th, 1993 and she survives. He is also survived by his children, Jim (Jody) Olinger of Roann, Vonda Oldaker of Peru , Ryan Oldaker of Lagro, Martha (Don) Jenkins of Arkansas, Roger Vanhoose of Peru, and Earl VanHoose of Muncie. Richard has three sisters Laurie Todd and Linda Bolin of Peru and Linda (Duane) Minor of Colorado, as well as brothers in law Ricky Bolin and Pete (Helen) Bolin of Peru and Ron Bolin of Louisville, KY. Blessed with a large family, Richard boasted of 15 grandchildren: Kelsie Olinger of Wabash, Isaac Stakeman, Owen Stackman and Easton Olinger all of Roann, Tyler Compton and Victor Oldaker of Peru, RyAnn Oldaker of Wabash, David Jones, Dustin Jones and Brian Jones of Arkansas, Brad (Bethany) Jenkins of Indianapolis, Tiffany McIntosh and Nicole (Kayler) Franklin of Ohio , Rebecca Roberts and Victoria Roberts of Peru and 14 great-grandchildren. He eagerly anticipated his 15th great-grandchild's entrance to world this coming week and decided that he needed to hold her just a little bit earlier than everyone else. He dearly loved all of his nieces and nephews. In younger and healthier times, Richard could be found fixing just about anything that needed it on any car, drinking a cold Bud Light or a shot of Fireball, shooting a mighty mean game of pool and enjoying the company of friends around a bonfire. His favorite times were spent in Minnesota with his good friend Lynn Ault hanging out on “the Wall” with friends on West 2nd Street and grilling, fishing and bullshitting with his brother by choice Steve Gutbrod and niece Olivia Gutbrod. Richard was proceeded in death by his parents and his faithful feline companion of many years, Gunner. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2-4 pm on August 3, 2024 at Eikenberry Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St., Peru, IN. Immediately afterwards, feel free to join family and friends to crack a beer or have a shot and share stories in his memory at the Literary Aid (room is kid friendly). Richard will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at a later date at Reyburn Cemetery in Peru. Richard leaves behind a legacy of love, loyal friendship and the honor of being his daughter Vonda’s first love. His passing leaves a void that will never be filled. Memorial donations can be made directly to the funeral home to help the family offset the cost of arrangements.