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of Manchester, MI, age 83, died of Alzheimer’s dementia on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. He was born February 12, 1936 in Jackson, Michigan, the son of James & Mildred (Vaughn) Willis. Richard  graduated from Northville High School in 1954, and spent a year at Alma College. He was in the Army Reserves for 7 years. Richard was hired by Detroit Edison, where he worked for more than 32 years as a service planner. He was a member of Chelsea First United Methodist Church, where he was active as a greeter. Richard was a hunter. Lois and Richard loved traveling and camping, in their RV,  on their Honda Goldwing, and on cruises. They wintered in Arizona and Southern California for 14 years.
 
On December 8, 1978, he married Lois M. Bliemeister in Westland, and she survives. He is also survived by his daughters, Kim (Ed) Eisenhut of Alpena, Peggy (Dennis) Schmidt of Alpena, Beth (Tim Bruner) Muse of Taylor; a son, Matthew (Pina) Rule of Dearborn Heights; two sisters, Cookie Banks of Eaton Rapids, Loralee Ledesma of Tucson, AZ; four grandchildren, Andrea, Garret, Erika, Cheyenne; 10 nieces & nephews; and his golden retriever, Molly. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and step-mother.
 
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 30, 11:00 am at Chelsea First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating.   The family will receive friends viewing from 10 until the service. A private burial will be held at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.
 

 
You may share a memory or leave a message for Richard's family using the form below.  Please allow up to 24 hours for us to review and post your comments.
 

Comments  

#3 Larry Bruner 2019-03-28 07:44
I hadn't known Dick for too long, but enjoyed my time with him very much. May he rest in piece.
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#2 Kevin Rice 2019-03-25 09:21
Lois: So sorry for your loss. I truly enjoyed Dick as a Friend and as my Supervisor of many years. Dick was a truly generous man, there is so much that I learned from our friendship and his mentorship. Kevin Rice
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#1 Frank Weimert 2019-03-24 18:59
I am so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. He was loved by many. He was a wonderful man and a talented story teller, all enjoyed the many campfire tales he would tell. I knew Dick many years as a co-worker and after retiring, spending winters with him and Lois traveling in the Southwest. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. He will be truly missed by everyone who knew him.
Frank & Barb
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