Richard’s life began on June 14, 1922, in Lawrence, 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 U.S. Army from 1942 until 1945.

Richard, 87, of Dowagiac, 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 to 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, Ind., Sandra (Bill) Kroepel of Cassopolis, Robert (Nancy) Staley of Dowagiac and Sharon (Michael) Buck of South Bend, Ind.; 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 six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 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; 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 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 to First Christian Church.

Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Richard at www.yazel-clark.com.