Richard Lee Trueblood

Richard Lee Trueblood, age 76 of Salem, passed away Friday, April 8, 2022 in the Palliative Care Unit of Baptist Health Louisville.  In his last days he was fortunate enough to be cared for by Hosparus Hospice Services.

Born October 27, 1945 in Salem, Indiana, he was the son of the late Lawrence W. and Aurelia A. (Zink) Trueblood.

He was a retired teacher after 50 years with Salem Community Schools, a member of Blue River Christian Church and had been a life-long resident of Washington County.
He was a 1963 graduate of Salem High School and, after attending The Herron School of Art in Indianapolis,  received a Bachelors and Master's Degree in Education from Indiana University.

Richard, or “Mr T,” as he was known to his beloved students, was a proud member and later an Assistant Director and Visual Designer for the Salem Bands, had been a director of the Salem, Eastern and Tell City Color Guards and was Founder and Director of Menagerie, an Independent Winter Guard International (WGI) Finalist.  He was Director of the Salem Drama Club for 50 years and a performer with the Washington County Actors Community Theater.  He served as a founding member of the Washington County Art Guild, an Executive Board Member of the Indiana HS Color Guard Association, and was so proud to be a member of the School Board at Salem Community Schools.  Richard truly loved Salem and wanted it to be the Best in everything.  He was an Eternal Cheerleader for his hometown and opened T Antiques on the Salem Square in 1991. 

On July 31, 2021 he married Bonnie Lynn Harmon, after being partners for 32 years.  It was a perfect day and the Best Wedding and Reunion ever.  As with everything he did, it was filled with love and joy and color and “his kids.”  No one loved people more than he did.  He brought his creative and design genius to hundreds throughout his life.  Richard changed the World of Color Guard with his designs.  He brought Drama Productions to Salem that were unique, groundbreaking and trendsetting.  Then he used these vehicles of design to mold and change lives.  His students are his legacy - then, now, and Always.  “Mr T’s Kids” are all across the world, spreading his love and creativity. In their hearts they still can hear his trademark cry of “Let’s Do It!” at the beginning of each and every performance.

Survivors include: Wife: Bonnie Lynn Harmon;  Sister: Cheri L. Ingram of Salem;  Niece: Christie (Glenn) Luckett of Salem;  2 Nephews: Tommy (Jessica) Paris and Dr. Kristen (Leigh) Ingram of Salem and 5 great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by 1 sister, Barbara Fromelius.

Memorial Contributions should be made to: IHSCGA, Inc.  (Indiana HS Color Guard Association) 8308 W. LINCOLNSHIRE DRIVE, YORKTOWN, IN 47396

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at the Trueblood Performing Arts Center at Salem Middle School.  Floral and other Memorial Tributes are welcomed at that time.

His Family is proud to have his Arrangements handled by Dawalt Funeral Home.

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