Richard Milton Staley

Richard's life began on June 14, 1922 in Lawrence, MI, the son of Leon and Julia L. (Wiley) Staley. He was a 1940 graduate of Dowagiac Central High School. He served his country in the United States Army from 1942 until 1945. Richard was employed by Rudy Manufacturing (Sundstrand) for many years. He was a member of the Dowagiac Moose and VFW Post # 1855. Richard loved to ride his motorcycle and build model cars and model planes. He enjoyed watching TV Land and old war movies. He is survived by his companion of many years, Jan Hall of Dowagiac, his children Ruth Ann Bragg of Mishawaka, Sandra (Bill) Kroepel of Cassopolis, Robert (Nancy) Staley of Dowagiac, and Sharon (Michael) Buck of South Bend, Jan's children Clarice Murphy of Cassopolis, and Lisa Weaver of Dowagiac, grandchildren Chad DuComb, Doug DuComb, Nathan Bragg, Kelley Bragg, Todd Fairleigh, Jennifer Stolpe, Adam Reeves, Michael Staley, Christopher Staley, Drew Staley, Stephanie Bender, Michele Harlow and Amanda Bender, 14 great grandchildren, Jan's 6 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Richard passed away on Saturday May 22, 2010 at his home. He is preceded in death by two brothers Ray and Rex Staley and one sister Ruby Cushing and Jan's daughter Vickie Wallace. Richard's family will receive friends on Wednesday from noon until 2 p.m. at Yazel-Clark Chapel where his funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday led by Pastor Jon DenHouter of the First Christian Church and Chaplain Victor Downing of Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. He will be laid to rest in Mission Hills Cemetery, Niles. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or First Christian Church. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Richard at www.yazel-clark.com .