Richard Allen "Rich" Hooven

Richard Allen "Rich" Hooven, affectionately and respectfully known throughout the martial arts community as "Sensei Hooven," passed away peacefully within the familiar comforts of his Elkhart home on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 10:33 p.m., following an extended illness. He was 76.

Born in South Bend on October 1, 1949, Rich was the son of the late Francis and Margaret (Edwards) Hooven. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, William Heath, Ronald, and Randy Hooven, and by his sister, Frances Baldwin.

Rich leaves behind a family who was the center of his world. He is survived by his daughter, Angela Jackson of Elkhart, and his son, Richard (Brittany) Hooven of Mishawaka. He also leaves behind eight beloved grandchildren who brought immeasurable pride and joy to his life: Charles R. Jackson, Dr. Amber R. Hooven, Cayson B. Meyer, Kiyha R. Jackson, Kenna A. Jackson, Joshua I. Hooven, Lilly G. Hooven, and SGT Richard N. (Brie) Hooven, U.S. Army, currently stationed in Vilseck, Germany. Whether offering advice, encouragement, or simply sharing a laugh, Rich treasured every opportunity to spend time with his family and delighted in watching each new generation grow.

A proud American patriot, Rich answered his nation's call by serving honorably in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Corporal while stationed in Okinawa, Japan. True to the traditions of the Corps, he embraced discipline, integrity, and unwavering commitment—qualities that remained woven into the fabric of his character for the rest of his life. An accomplished marksman, he earned several military marksmanship citations during his enlistment, but perhaps his greatest badge of honor was simply being able to call himself a United States Marine. Like so many Marines, Rich believed that once earned, the title was forever. It was a source of lifelong pride that never diminished.

Following his military service, Rich dedicated nearly two decades to the City of Elkhart, eventually becoming Superintendent of the Wastewater Treatment Facility. Known for his fairness, leadership, and willingness to stand up for his fellow workers, he also served as the respected president of the local union. Later, he continued serving his community while working in the transportation department for the Elkhart Community Schools.

Yet if there was one passion that defined Rich outside of his family and his faith, it was the disciplined art of Karate.

To thousands of students, instructors, and fellow martial artists, he wasn't simply Richard Hooven—he was Sensei Hooven, a teacher whose influence reached far beyond the dojo. At the time of his passing, Rich had earned the distinguished rank of 5th Degree Black Belt and had twice been inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame as Instructor of the Year. Under the respected guidance of 8th Dan Master Sensei Eddie Bathea, Rich devoted decades to mastering his craft while teaching countless others the virtues of discipline, perseverance, humility, and respect.

As founder of the United Martial Arts Academy, Rich believed martial arts was about far more than punches and kicks. He viewed it as a pathway to building confidence, developing character, and changing lives. He possessed a remarkable gift for recognizing potential in young people, especially those who simply needed someone to believe in them. Financial hardship was never allowed to become an obstacle if Rich thought a child could benefit from the lessons his school offered. Quietly and without seeking recognition, he often paid students' tuition himself because he believed the values learned inside the dojo were priceless.

Perhaps nowhere is his legacy more evident than in his own family. His grandson, Charles, now proudly holds the rank of Second Degree Black Belt, carrying forward not only his grandfather's techniques, but also his values, discipline, and love for the martial arts.

Rich’s life was firmly grounded in his Christian faith. A long-standing member of New Testament Bible Church, he accepted Christ as his Savior in 1971—a decision that changed the course of the rest of his life.

Perhaps his greatest ministry was serving as a Youth Pastor. Rich had a deep passion for young people and dedicated countless hours to leading teenagers to the Lord, teaching them God’s Word, and investing in their lives. With his bold personality, infectious sense of humor, and genuine love for youth, he became a magnet for the teens of the Jimtown area, helping build one of the largest youth groups New Testament Bible Church had ever seen. He never hesitated to tell anyone, anywhere, that they needed Jesus, caring far more about their eternity than their opinion of him.

The influence he had on generations of young people cannot be measured. Anyone who crossed his path carry with them the lessons, encouragement, and faith he helped cultivate. His legacy can be found in the countless lives he touched through his karate and his ministry. Sensei Hooven will live on through his students.

Away from work and the dojo, Rich enjoyed the unmistakable rumble of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, cheering on the Indianapolis Colts each football season, and spending time with friends who shared his many interests. But whether wearing a Marine uniform, a karate gi, or simply sitting in a church pew, Rich remained the same man—disciplined, loyal, compassionate, and deeply committed to helping others become better versions of themselves.

In accordance with Rich's wishes, simple visitation and graveside services have been arranged.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at New Testament Bible Church, 29718 County Road 18, Elkhart, where memories will be shared and Rich's remarkable life celebrated. A brief prayer service, officiated by Pastor Bob Whittaker, will take place between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m.

At 2:00 p.m., a procession will depart the church for Rice Cemetery, where Rich's cremated remains will be laid to rest. Military honors will be rendered by the United States Marine Corps Funeral Honors Team, the Elkhart County Marine Corps League, and the Northern Indiana Patriot Guard Riders.

Because Rich's identity as a United States Marine remained one of the greatest honors of his life, his family warmly extends an invitation to all members of the USMC Riders Motorcycle Association, as well as fellow Marines, veterans, and military brothers and sisters, to attend the services, regardless of whether they knew Rich personally. Your presence, your uniforms, your motorcycles, and your shared commitment to "Semper Fidelis" will serve as a powerful tribute to one Marine while offering immeasurable comfort to the family he leaves behind.

Though Sensei Hooven's final lesson has ended, his legacy lives on—in the Marines he proudly stood beside, in the students he patiently taught, in the church he faithfully served, and in the family he loved beyond measure. His was truly a life built upon discipline, faith, service, and honor, and for that, he will be remembered with profound gratitude and enduring respect.