John Rife

John David Rife, age 74, of Temple, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on June 15, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease and dementia. John was born on October 7, 1951, in Winamac, Indiana, to the late Orville and Lucille (Goble) Rife. He graduated from West Central High School in Francesville, Indiana, with the Class of 1969. On August 18, 1972 he married Julie A. Reinholt, she survives. John attended Paul's Chapel and was baptized in the Tippecanoe River near Pulaski, Indiana. He was later confirmed at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Winamac and attended First Methodist Church in Temple, Texas. John enjoyed a distinguished career with Fairbanks Scales, Inc., where he served as a Senior Area Sales Representative for more than 25 years throughout Indiana and Louisiana. His exceptional work ethic and commitment to excellence earned him recognition year after year as one of the company's Top Ten Sales Representatives. He was frequently the number one salesperson in his region and, on several occasions, the top salesperson nationwide. John found joy in the simple things that made life rich. He loved woodworking, outdoor sports, hosting shrimp boils and deep-fried turkey dinners, and sharing good food with family and friends. He never passed up the opportunity to enjoy a hamburger steak at a new restaurant, appreciated a good cup of coffee—hot or cold—and often ended his day with a bowl of ice cream and an occasional Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. John was complicatedly simple. He loved God, cherished his family, and found contentment in life's everyday blessings. Above all else, his greatest happiness came from watching his grandchildren participate in their activities. Nothing brought him greater pride or a bigger smile. John was very much loved and will be missed. He is lovingly survived by his wife, Julie A. Rife of Temple, Texas; his son, Ryan (Dina) Rife of Geismar, Louisiana; his daughter, Holly (Adam) Walden of Temple, Texas; his grandchildren, Aria Rife, Zaden Rife, Adam "AJ" Walden, and Lillyann Walden; his brothers, Don (Jean) Rife of Winamac, Indiana, Randy (Jill) Rife of Logansport, Indiana, and Sam (Connie) Rife of Winamac, Indiana; his sisters, Carol (Mick) Hoffman and Naomi (Joe) Murphy, both of Winamac, Indiana; and his mother-in-law, Barbara Reinholt of North Vernon, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Lucille Rife; his stepmother, Gertrude (Stout) Rife; his brother, Harold Rife; his grandparents, Lester and Ruby (Ross) Goble and Burvie and Dorothy (White) Rife; and his father-in-law, Gerald Reinholt. A celebration of John's life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Methodist Church, 102 North Main Street, Temple, Texas, with Senior Pastor Scott Goodfellow officiating. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend.

John Rife

October 7, 1951 - June 15, 2026