Richard C. Eifler

Richard “Dick” Eifler, 87, of Newburgh, passed away Monday, January 28, 2013, at his home. He was born January 11, 1926, in Evansville, IN. He was a U.S. Navy veteran – signalman, serving on patrol and air/sea rescue units. He took part in the capture of a 2-man Japanese submarine. Dick was a survivor of two major typhoons to hit Okinawa late in 1945 when most of the patrol craft were lost. He would never touch Spam, Vienna sausage, or fruit cake again after his time in the service. He was an “early” 1943 graduate of Bosse High School, and graduated from Purdue University in 1950. Dick was Venerable Dean of Acacia Fraternity and a member of the Inter-Fraternity Presidents’ Council. He was a past member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, National Society of Professional Engineers, Southwestern Chapter of Indiana Society of Professional Engineers, Central Turners, Eagles, a Kentucky Colonel, the Lafayette Post of the American Legion, and a charter member of the Coterie Club. He was a registered land surveyor and civil engineer in Indiana and Kentucky. Dick was a recipient of the 1956 National Homes Merit Award for Subdivision Design. He was a Vanderburgh County Highway Engineer from 1970 to 1972 and City Civil Engineer from 1972 to 1986. He was an Eagle Scout with bronze and silver palms at old Troop 17 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church under the late William E. (Bill) Hamsley, Scoutmaster. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, his wife , Jody, and son John “Jack” Eifler. He is survived by his children, Diana Wessel of Newburgh, Dirk Eifler of Evansville, and Candi Burress (Micheal) of Newburgh; grandchildren, Mark Wessel of Evansville, Carl Wessel of Newburgh, Jacob Burress of Silverdale, WA, and Dain and Molly Burress of Newburgh. A Celebration of Dick’s Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Warrick Humane Society, 5722 Vann Road, Newburgh, IN 47630 or American Legion Kapperman Post #44 Baseball, P.O. Box 1093, Newburgh, IN 47629.