Richard Allen Buchtel

Richard Allen Buchtel, 12 of Garrett passed away on Thursday, November 2, 2023.

He was born on September 20, 2011 in Kendallville to Brian Buchtel and Rachael (Spear) Barhydt.  Richard was currently a 6th grade student at Garrett Middle School.

Richard loved building things, especially with Legos.  He wanted to work in construction someday.  He also loved everything space and dreamed of being an astronaut as well.  He loved animals which included his beloved dog, Cardi B and his two cats, Miss Kitty and Smokey.  He liked snakes and lizards and loved collecting bugs, especially cicada shells.  Richard also enjoyed Fanf, collecting baseball and Pokemon cards, Minecraft, making paper planes and he was an avid reader.  He was adventurous and brave and loved climbing trees among other things.  Richard was a sweet soul, a very caring person who could talk to anyone, even people that he’d never met.  He loved telling stories and loved making people laugh, he was always making silly faces.  He will be greatly missed.   

Survivors include:

His father; Brian Buchtel of Kendallville.

His mother; Rachael Barhydt and Shaun Jacobs of Garrett.

Brother; Cody Barhydt of Ligonier.

Sister; Aaliyah Barhydt of Garrett.

Brother; Johnny Nicodemus of Cromwell.

Brother; Shaun Jacobs Jr. of Churubusco.

Sister; Destiny Hall of Mishawaka.

Sister; Madison Mason of Oklahoma.

Grandparents; Roberta and Rick Buchtel of Kendallville.

Grandpa; Garry Spear of Wolcottville.

Grandma; Yvonne Lennon of Fort Wayne.

Aunt; Retta and Eric Langley of Ligonier.

Aunt; Samantha Knisely of Garrett.

Aunt; Ashley McCoy of Fort Wayne.

Aunt; Crystal Spear of Garrett.

Uncle; Garry Spear Jr. of Wolcottville.

Uncle; Mike Barrand of Fort Wayne.

Uncle and aunt; Brandon and Chandelle Buchtel of Avilla.

Several cousins, other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by grandma; Vicki Spear and his special dog; Roxy.

A gathering of friends and family will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at the Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 South Center Street in Auburn.

A memorial service will be held immediately following the gathering at 6:00 PM on Wednesday at the Feller and Clark Funeral Home in Auburn with Pastor DeWana Richey of the Freedom to Worship Church of God in Altona officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the family in care of the Feller and Clark Funeral Home to help with Richard’s final expenses. 

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.fellerandclark.com and on our Facebook page at Feller and Clark Funeral Homes.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Feller and Clark Funeral Home in Auburn.