Ray C. Amrhein passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at the age of 88 in his Brookville, Indiana home. He was born in Brookville on April 23, 1933, to Clarence and Anetia (Kuehn) Amrhein. Ray attended Saint Michael Catholic School and was a 1951 graduate of Brookville High School. He received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Education as well as a Specialist Degree in Educational Administration from Ball State University.
After college, he served in the Army from 1955 to 1957 and in the Army Reserves from 1957 to 1961. One notable army experience included being chosen to march in Dwight D. Eisenhower’s second inaugural parade as part of the unit from Indiana.
Following his military service, he began a career in education that spanned over 35 years. From 1957-1992 he served in almost every role as a teacher and administrator: teacher, principal, superintendent, transportation director, and teacher contract negotiator. He was the first Superintendent of Franklin County Community School Corporation (1970-1983). During his years as an educator, he directed the building of an addition at Brookville Elementary School. He also directed and constructed schools at Mount Carmel and Laurel, and the Franklin County High School Athletic Field. Additionally, he served on the IHSAA Board of Control, was a charter member of the East Central Special Education Coop and served on the SOITA board which was a group that initiated technology in the classroom in its infancy stage.
Upon retirement, he joined the Brookville American Legion serving two years as Commander of the Legion and nine years as Commander of the Firing Squad. As a member of the firing squad, he participated in more than 400 military funerals for the veterans of our country. In 2013, he created the American Legion Scholarship Dinner which to date, has awarded over $50,000 in scholarships to Franklin County High School seniors.
Ray was a lifelong member of Saint Michael Parish and a 70-year member of the Knights of Columbus. He also served as a driver for Franklin County EMS for 10 years. He won the Brookville/Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award in 2009 for his role as Chairman of the Brookville Bicentennial Parade. Ray’s life of service to his country, state and community was formally recognized in August 2021 with the presentation of the Sagamore of the Wabash Award by State Senator Jeff Raatz on behalf of Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. The Sagamore Award is Indiana’s highest honor.
He is survived by Evelyn, his wife of 68 years; his children Dale (Anne) Amrhein, Lyle (Sharon) Amrhein of Batesville, IN, Faye (Mike) Cossins of Cincinnati, OH, and Paul (Tracey) Amrhein of West Chester, OH; four grandchildren Allison (Tom) Morton, Joe Cossins, Marie Cossins, and Alexandra Amrhein; one great grandchild Charles Morton; and one sister Donna Back.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Ruth Kirschner, Norma Knecht, Rita Riehle, Dorothy Boyle, and Betty Glaub.
The family wishes to offer a special thank you to Mike Biltz for his unwavering devotion and friendship to Ray. We should all be so lucky to have such a friend. Thank you, too, to the doctors, nurses and staff at McCullough-Hyde Hospital in Oxford, OH; the James Cancer Center in Columbus, OH; and Hospice from Margaret Mary Health in Batesville, IN for their expertise and compassion; to good friends from American Legion Post 77; and to friends, family and neighbors for all their love and support of Ray and the family.
Visitation for family and friends is Tuesday, September 21, 2021, from 4 until 7 p.m. at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home, 929 Main Street, Brookville. *** The family requests that all attending wear a mask. Father Vincent Lampert will officiate a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church. The Brookville American Legion, Bernard Hurst Post #77 will pay a final tribute to Ray, honoring him will military graveside honors immediately following Mass at St. Michael Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be directed to the Brookville American Legion or its Firing Squad. To sign the online guestbook or to leave a personal memory please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of Ray Amrhein.