Richard "Dick" Coulter

Richard "Dick" Coulter, 88, of Robinson, IL, finally got the reunion he had been waiting for when he slipped away on November 13, 2025, at Cobblestone Crossings in Terre Haute, IN, and went to be with his beloved Dodie again. He was born on December 17, 1936, in Robinson, and from his earliest days, he was already proving to be equal parts tough, determined, and unforgettable. Dick's childhood shaped the man he would become. His dad died when he was very young, and after a coffee percolator accident left him with severe burns on his legs as a little boy, he spent months in the hospital. Most kids would have been scared. Dick came out of it stubborn, strong-willed, and ready to take on the world. And if you knew him, you know he never grew out of any of that. He graduated from Robinson High School and later attended Lockyear's Business College in Evansville, where he met the love of his life, Marilyn Jo "Dodie" Brocksmith. They married on May 18, 1957, and spent their newlywed years in Evansville, building a partnership marked by both laughter and determination.

Dick worked wherever the opportunity was, always giving more than he had to. He recruited for Lockyear, worked in the office at Union Carbide, and then spent more than 30 years as a foreman at Marathon. Somewhere along the way, he also became an EMT. That was pure Dick. A full-time job plus riding in an ambulance at all hours? No problem. He liked to say the police scanner was for work, but everyone knew the real reason he had it was to make sure his kids' names weren't coming across the airwaves. And every now and then…they did! When they were younger, he found ways to bond with his children. He helped with baseball. He took them to the turtle race in Palestine where he and Debbie took first place. He hauled them to the stock car races in Stoy and cheered for Dick Love like he was an Indy 500 driver. Even in the busiest seasons of life, Dick understood something simple and true: memories don't make themselves. So he made them. He carved out time, he showed up, and he made ordinary days feel unforgettable.

His radio handle was "Tricky Dick," a nickname that stuck with him whether he was behind the mic as a CB and ham radio operator or in the refinery. After retiring, he worked as a courier for First Financial, not because he needed something to do, but because he wasn't wired for sitting still. The words "work ethic" don't quite capture it. Dick could outwork anybody. He loved nothing more than mowing, trimming, weeding, decorating the yard, and doing it all in ninety-degree heat. While everyone else was wilting, he was thriving. He would come inside, wipe his brow, and pour himself a hot cup of coffee. Temperature meant nothing to this man. He was a fixer-upper. He read every how-to book he could get his hands on. He was a shopper who could outshop anyone, especially if he found a deal on books. And not just any books…the more mystical the topic, the better. He had a penchant for psychic stuff, occult things, crystals, little Buddhas, sparkly trinkets. He loved anything that glittered. He also loved eagles, lighthouses, and mallards. His home was an eclectic museum of all things uniquely Dick.

He approached entertainment with the same enthusiasm. Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote could make him laugh until tears rolled down his face. He never tired of The Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday nights when the kids were little. And if a Western was on, especially Gunsmoke, you couldn't pry him away from the TV! Though he enjoyed time at home, traveling also brought him joy. He and Dodie took road trips all over the U.S., taking in the fun of Branson to the majesty of the Smokies. He never stepped foot on a plane and never wanted to. Four wheels, a road, and Dodie in the passenger seat were all he needed. Well…that, and sweets. Dick never met a dessert he didn't like. Cherry delight was the crown jewel, but he wasn't picky. Lemon drops, root beer barrels, Werthers — if it was sweet, Dick could be convinced in a heartbeat!

Dick poured just as much dedication into the Robinson Masonic Lodge #250 and the Scottish Rite Valley of Evansville as he did into everything else in his life. He was proud to have earned his 32nd Degree, but even prouder of the 55 years of brotherhood, routine, and friendship that came with it. Those men became part of his world, and he showed up for them the same way he showed up for everything he cared about. And if you spent any time with Dick, you know he brought his full personality with him wherever he went. "Stubborn" doesn't even begin to cover it. He liked things a certain way. He could dig his heels in with the best of them. And changing his mind? Well, that wasn't exactly his strongest trait. But that stubborn streak was woven together with a deep steadiness and loyalty. When Dick cared about you, he cared all the way through. This was especially true of his family, especially Dodie. We find peace knowing that he is with her again, right where his heart had been headed all along.

In addition to his beloved wife of 65 years, Dick was also preceded in death by his parents, Clarence W. and Edith (Kirk) Coulter. He is survived by his children, Debbie (Mark) Gibson, and Alan Coulter; by his grandchildren, Cory Lee (Bonnie) Coulter, Richelle Dawn Coulter, and Heather Jo (Zach) Watson; and by his great-grandchildren, Grady, Max, and Adi.

A time of visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 17th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. The family requests that attendees dress casually, which is exactly what Dick wanted. A Masonic service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, followed by a celebration service officiated by Celebrant Curt Goodwine. Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to either the "Robinson Masonic Lodge #250" or to the "Robinson Senior Center," with envelopes available at the funeral home.