Richard H. Sifford

Richard’s life began on January 28, 1919 in Dowagiac, the son of Floyd L. and Marie E. (Secor) Sifford. He is a 1936 graduate of Dowagiac Central High School. Richard served his country in the United States Navy during World War II as a chief pharmacist mate. He was united in marriage to the former Dorothy Ihnken on August 9, 1943 in South Bend. Richard worked as a letter carrier for 35 years in Dowagiac. He was very active in the community, serving on the Dowagiac Board of Education, the Police Advisory Board, the Board of Review, the Veteran’s Affairs Board, and the Community Recreation Board. Richard was a member of the Dowagiac Lions Club for over 50 years and a MHSAA high school sports official. His greatest joy was his family which includes his wife of 68 years, Dorothy Sifford of Dowagiac, his daughter Karyl Sifford of Dowagiac, grandchildren Shannon Best of Culver, IN and Sharese (Todd) Franklin of Dowagiac, and two great grandchildren Rebecca Franklin and Enrico Povinelli. Richard passed away at his home on Sunday September 18, 2011. He is preceded in death by a half brother Jack Secor. His family will gather with friends on Friday from 12 noon until 2 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel where his funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. led by Reverend David Helmuth. He will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the Dowagiac Lions Club or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Richard at www.yazel-clark.com