Waldron man, South Decatur asst. principal killed in Ripley County crash; obituary notice

A Waldron man was killed in a car - motorycle accident in Ripley County.

Just after 7:30 p.m. Friday, Ripley County authorities and Indiana State Police responded to the interrsection of South High Street and U.S. 50 in Versailles. According to details released from the preliminary investigation Hailey Eden, 24, of Versailles, was at the stop sign in a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban when she attempted to turn eastbound on U.S. 50. A Honda motorcycle driven by Jacob Rader, 41, of Waldron, was westbound on U.S. 50 and struck the Suburban.

Rader was pronounced dead at the scene.

Drugs and alcohol are not suspected to be involved at this time. Toxicology results are still pending as part of the ongoing investigation.

The obituary notice from Moster Mortuary follows here for Jacob Rader - 

Jacob "Jake" Rader, 41, of Waldron, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on June 5, 2026.
Born on October 18, 1984, in Connersville, Indiana, Jake was the son of Tammy (Earlywine)
Harsh and Elvis Rader. While he loved his family deeply, those who knew Jake knew the special
bond he shared with his stepfather, Marty, who helped shape the man he became.
Jake graduated from Rushville Consolidated High School in 2003 and went on to earn his
Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from IUPUC before later earning his Master's
Degree in Educational Administration from Ball State University. He dedicated his life to serving
children and helping them discover their potential.
For ten years, Jake taught at Waldron Elementary School, where he taught Physical Education,
Kindergarten, Third Grade, and Fifth Grade. He later became Assistant Principal at South
Decatur Elementary School, a role he cherished because it allowed him to continue making a
difference in the lives of students, families, and fellow educators. To Jake, education was never
just a career—it was a calling. His students adored him, and years after leaving his classroom,
many still sought him out to share their accomplishments, stories, and hugs. It was not
uncommon for a trip to Walmart to be interrupted by excited former students calling out, "Mr.
Rader!" as they ran over to greet him.
Jake was a lifelong member of Ben Davis Creek Christian Church and faithfully served as a
deacon for several years. His faith was the foundation of his life. He lived out his beliefs through
kindness, humility, and service to others. He was the person people called when they needed
advice, encouragement, help with a project, or simply someone to listen. No matter how busy he
was, Jake would stop what he was doing to help someone in need. He never sought recognition
for his generosity—it was simply who he was.
On August 14, 2004, Jake married the love of his life, Amber Sparks. Together they built a
beautiful life centered on faith, family, and unwavering devotion to one another. Their love story
began during their senior year of high school while working together at Kroger, and over the
next twenty-two years they created countless memories, weathered life's challenges side by
side, and built a family that was Jake's greatest pride and joy.
Jake was a devoted father to Lexi Rader (fiancé Bryce McQueen) of Greensburg, Landyn Rader
(wife Makayla) of Greensburg, and Azalia Rader of Waldron. He was a proud grandfather to
Harper Rader, whose presence brought him tremendous happiness. He was a role model not
only to his own children, but to countless young people whose lives he touched through his
work, his faith, and his example.
Jake is also survived by his mother, Tammy Harsh; his father, Elvis Rader; his stepfather, Marty
Harsh; his siblings Josh Rader (Sara), Tiffany Frank, Kyle Harsh (Lynette), Autumn Rader, and
stepbrother Dustin Harsh; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends,
coworkers, church family, and former students who loved him dearly.
Jake never met a stranger. He was a true people person whose warmth, humor, and genuine
interest in others made everyone feel welcome. He loved to laugh and had a way of making
others laugh with him. He didn't take life too seriously and could find joy even in ordinary
moments. His smile was contagious, and his laugh was unforgettable.
Outside of work, Jake loved spending time outdoors. Whether he was riding his motorcycle,
fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, running, working out, building something with his hands, or
working on vehicles, he was happiest when he was creating, exploring, or spending time with
the people he loved. He was an excellent cook, a talented problem-solver, and the kind of
person who could fix just about anything. If he didn't know how, he would teach himself until he
figured it out.
More than anything, Jake loved his family. He showed up for the people he cared about. He
listened without judgment, encouraged without hesitation, and loved without condition. His
impact cannot be measured by titles, accomplishments, or years alone, but by the countless
lives he touched through his kindness, faith, generosity, and love.
Though his time here was far too short, the legacy Jake leaves behind is extraordinary. He
leaves a world better than he found it, and his influence will continue to live on through the
family he cherished, the students he inspired, the friends he supported, and the many people
whose lives are forever changed because they knew him.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cornerstone
Christian Fellowship in Waldron, Indiana. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 12, 2026, at
10:30 a.m. at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Waldron, Indiana, with Howard Bullard
officiating. Burial will follow at Ben Davis Creek Christian Church cemetery in Rushville, Indiana.
Jake's family finds comfort in knowing that while they grieve his absence, they celebrate the
incredible man he was and the eternal hope he held through his faith in Jesus Christ.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ben Davis Christian Church.