Richard Kenneth Raymer

Richard Raymer, 89, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Monday, July 20, 2015 at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, July 24, 2015 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Service, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Burial will follow at Crystal Springs Cemetery in Benton Harbor. Friends may visit from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM Thursday, July 23, 2015 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Those wishing to share a memory of Richard may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Richard was born July 24, 1925 in Benton Harbor, MI to Kenneth and Hazel (Sutherland) Raymer. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1943 and then served his country in the United States Navy from 1943 until 1945. After returning from the military, Richard attended Western Michigan University, graduating from the University of Michigan earning his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1952. He enjoyed his profession as an architect for over 40 years, working for Pearson Engineering as an architect for 25 years. Richard wed Marilyn Shock on December 27, 1947 and together they had three children. Marilyn preceded him in death in 1977. Richard then married Opal Brown Dass on October 14, 1989. Richard was a life-long member of the Peace Temple United Methodist Church in Benton Harbor, belonged to the Benton Harbor Elks Club, Masonic Lodge, Salvation Army and the Heritage Society. He also served as the president of the American Institute of Architects in 1988 and 1989. He was an avid University of Michigan fan, and in his spare time enjoyed bowling and golf at Berrien Hills Country Club where he was a member. Richard is survived by his wife Opal Raymer; sons James and Ronald (Stacie) Raymer, daughter Kathleen Raymer Travis; step-children Bradley (Bernadette) Dass, Karen (Robert) Raines; grandchildren Andrea, Michele, Jared Raymer, and Lauren Travis; step-grandchildren Michelle Pickard, Jason, Brayton, and Nathan Grinnell; brother Clifford (Ellen) Raymer; and nephews John and Kenneth Raymer. Richard was preceded in death by his parents and first wife Marilyn Raymer.