Richard “Rich” Makin

Richard “Rich” Makin, 59, of Saxonburg passed away Friday at his home.

Born March 14, 1957, in Monroeville, Pa., he was the son of Richard K. Makin and Darlene (Klingensmith) Makin.

Rich was known for his running. He began in 1989 and ran anywhere from 3 to 15 miles daily, competing in 5Ks, 10Ks and marathons, including the coveted Boston Marathon.

Rich enjoyed playing softball in Saxonburg for many years. He greatly appreciated the opportunities to coach his children's soccer, basketball, baseball and softball teams. An avid sports fan, he attended many games and loved watching the Pens, Pirates and Panthers. He was always active; if he was not running, he was swimming, fishing, playing basketball or helping friends.

Rich also had a passion for drag racing, especially behind the wheel of his 1968 Camaro at Keystone Raceway and in Salem, Ohio. He attended the NHRA Spring Nationals many times.

Traveling was something he loved to do with his family. He visited many states and countries, looking for the shortest routes, which always led to great adventures.

Rich Makin never wanted anything more than to cast a symbol of good character, love and strength in doing what is right. He showed devotion upon his family and those he knew. He remained dedicated to that moral compass and never wavered. Even when powers beyond his control took hold and slowly took his life from him, he remained steadfast. With a smile on his face and great spirit in his heart, he truly showed us what it meant to be a great man during his entire lifetime.

A loving father. A devoted husband. A caring grandfather. An honorable friend. He was truly an inspiration of how a man, moreover, a person, is meant to be.

Surviving are his loving wife, Sandra L. (Frayer) Makin, whom he married Sept. 6, 1980; his father, Richard K. Makin of Verona; his mother, Darlene (Kligensmith) Makin of Amarillo, Texas; his son, Richard “Ricky” Makin of Saxonburg; his daughter, Nicole Makin Rekich and son-in-law, Aaron Rekich, of Saxonburg; two grandsons, Andy and Calvin; his brother, Bill Makin and his wife, Dana Leonard Makin, of East Bernard, Texas; his sister, Sharleen Makin Eller and her husband, Curtis Eller, of Amarillo, Texas; his father-in-law, Jerry Frayer of Butler; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents; and his mother-in-law, Martha Frayer.

MAKIN — A service for Richard “Rich” Makin, who died Friday, March 18, 2016, will be at 2 p.m. May 14 at the Laura J. Doerr Memorial Park. A celebration of life will follow.The Fox Funeral Home, Saxonburg, is assisting the family with arrangements.For more information, please visit www.foxfuneralhomeinc.com.