Richard Ralph Ahlgrim

He was born on October 9, 1928, in Gary, IN, the son of Alonzo and Jeanette (Schrader) Ahlgrim. Richard married Betty Koontz on August 13, 1948, in Gary, IN. After 63 years of marriage, she preceded him in death on November 14, 2011.

Richard graduated from Lew Wallace High School in Gary, IN. He later graduated from Baptist Bible Seminary in 1952, Taylor University in Upland, IN in 1954, and earned his master’s degree from U of I in Springfield, IL. Later in his career, Richard earned an honorary doctorate from Florida Bible College.

In 1954, Richard started the First Baptist Church in Merrillville, IN. In 1963, Richard moved to Springfield and became the pastor at Berean Baptist Church where he remained until January 31, 2012, retiring after 48 ½ years. Richard then joined Chatham Baptist Church. Richard excelled at playing racquetball, and for several years was racquetball champion.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, and brother, George Ahlgrim.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Debra (Stephen) Cole of Springfield; son, Timothy A. (Bonnie) Ahlgrim of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Benjamin D. (Gabrielle) Ahlgrim, Allison R. (Ian) Davie, Joshua S. Cole, and Stephanie A. (Joel) Jeske; and great-grandchildren, Cyrus Schwear, Jaxon, Conrad, and Ronen Ahlgrim, Jack, Elle, and Duke Davie, and Brooks and Betty Jeske.

Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. on Monday, June 30, 2025, at Chatham Baptist Church, 1500 E. Walnut St., Chatham, followed by the Ceremony at 11:00 a.m., with Pastors Ahron Cooney and Milton Bost officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Chatham Baptist Church.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.