Two Madison County men honored with Sagamores

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Melanie Wright (D-Yorktown) presented Sagamore of the Wabash Awards to Thomas Rydman and posthumously to David Fox, who together founded Ryman & Fox, Inc., which served the farming community for 50 years in Madison County.

“Anyone who has been involved in agriculture in the county has been associated in one way or another with Rydman & Fox,” said Wright. “They are so active in our community and highly regarded by everyone. I feel honored to have presented these awards, the highest recognition offered by the state of Indiana.”

David Fox died last year and the decision was made to sell the company. Kokomo Grain will purchase the grain division, while Harvest Land Co-op will acquire the agronomy and seed division. The closing will be on September 30. One of the stipulations of the sale was that the current employees would be retained.

Wright made the presentations during the company’s annual Customer Appreciation Day luncheon on Aug. 17. Farmers and their families, from throughout central Indiana, attended the event to share memories and their best wishes with the Rydman and Fox families.

Thomas Rydman grew up on a farm near Anderson. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and co-founded Ryman & Fox, Inc. in 1966 with Dave Fox. Rydman has been active with the Indiana Grain Dealers Association, the Indiana Short Line Railroad Association and the Indiana Maple Syrup Association. For many years, he and his wife have provided scholarships to Frankton High School seniors. They are also faithful supporters of St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Anderson.

The Sagamore for David Fox Sr. was presented to his son, David Fox Jr. The elder Fox was raised near Anderson on a farm northwest of the city. He served in the Army and was stationed in France. Dave and his wife, Myrna, attended South Meridian Church of God and helped numerous people in need. However, they always insisted their good deeds remain anonymous. David Sr. died in September of 2015.

Rydman & Fox, Inc. started as a bag fertilizer sales business in a small pole building the two men built themselves. During its five decades, the company grew into a full-service grain, seed and fertilizer business serving farmers throughout central Indiana.

Rydman & Fox, Inc. also has provided educational scholarships to Frankton graduating seniors, supported the Frankton Community Library’s summer reading program as well as having been active participants in the Frankton Heritage Days and the Madison County 4-H Sale.

“While I know the new companies will carry on the traditions and values of Mr. Rydman and Mr. Fox, it won’t be the same not seeing the friendly smiles on the faces of these wonderful, kind men,” said Wright. “Their commitment to our community and their civic responsibility is a model for the rest of us to follow. I cannot think of two people more deserving of the Sagamore of the Wabash Award.”