Richard Deardorff, 77, of Wolcott, died unexpectedly on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at his residence. He was born May 18, 1933 in Wolcott to the late Willis and Ruth Marie Pollock Deardorff. He graduated from Wolcott High School in 1951, and attended Butler and Ball State Universities. He was a specialist third class in the United States Army from 1954 - 1956. His marriage was to Janet Benner on August 23, 1959 in Wolcott. She preceded him in death on August 23, 1976. Richard lived his entire life in Wolcott. He owned and operated Deardorff Gas & Electric for the past 53 years, serving White County and beyond with his electrical, plumbing and heating repair business. The hardware store was closed about 10 years ago. He spent his life serving the area and its people, giving back to the community he loved. He recently was honored with Wolcott's Community Service Award, presented annually at Wolcott's Fourth of July celebration. Surviving is a daughter, Marsha Jackson (husband: David) of Evansville, a sister, Jean Scroggs (husband: Robert) of Idaville, and a brother, Donald Deardorff (wife: Emily) of Indianapolis. Also surviving are three grandsons, Brandt, Stephen, and Jacob Jackson all of Evansville; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Lewis and Jim Deardorff, and his sister, Evelyn Johnson. Friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at Foster-Clapper Funeral Home of Wolcott. Funeral services will be held there at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 7, 2011 with Pastor Guy Brown officiating. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Monticello. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richard Deardorff Memorial Fund.