Ophir Orlo Richison
b. 24 August 1909, Jay County, Indiana, to Dallas Ray and Olive (Alexander) Richison
d. 31 July 1949, Winchester, Randolph, Indiana
bur. Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, Randolph, Indiana
m. 30 August 1929, Dayton, Montgomery, Ohio
Zella Beatrice Wilkerson
Ophir Richison funeral card
Children with Zella Beatrice Wilkerson:
- James Oliver (1930-2004) married (1) Eris Jeannine Fisher, (2) Rita Cunningham Roberts
- Betty Jean (1933-1982) married Roscoe Junior Shrack
- Shirley Ann (living)
- Donna Lee (living)
- Danny Ray (living)
Orlo and Zella went to relatives in Ohio to get married thinking they would be able to keep the marriage a secret from their parents for awhile. Their intention was to continue to live with their parents for a short time until they were more financially able before telling them of the marriage and finding a home together. Like many secrets, theirs did not remain secret very long. Upon returning home, Zella found her parents already aware of the marriage.
It seems someone in Ohio who knew her parents had heard the news and informed Zella’s parents. Orlo worked in Indianapolis in factories for a time but after his father died in 1947, he moved the family to Winchester in order to take over the painting and paper hanging business of his father. Two years later, in 1949, Orlo was killed in an automobile accident, leaving Zella a widow with five children, the youngest being only six months old.
Submitted by:
Shirley Richison Fields
Avon IN
E-mail: richison@me.com