Richard Rayburn, 85
Born: July 6, 1927
Died: Sept. 7, 2012

H. Richard Rayburn, 85, of Sebring, Fla., formerly of Niles, went home to be with the Lord Friday, Sept. 7, 2012, at Good Shepard Hospice House in Sebring, Fla.

Richard was born July 6, 1927, in Niles to Homer and Myrtle (Gentry) Rayburn. He graduated from Niles High School and received an associate’s degree from Colorado University. He served his country in the Navy Air Force during World War II in the Pacific.

In 1954, Richard married Helen Erickson. She preceded him in death in 1995. He later married Ruth Crocker in 1997.

He was a former board member of the BVA of Chicago and the MCMO of Lansing. He was also an avid golfer and fisherman. He was a member of the Sebring Municipal Golf Course and a life member of the Elks and Masonic Lodge. He belonged to the VFW, American Legion and the Moose Lodge. He was also a charter member of the Heartland Church of Sebring, Fla. Richard retired from general manager for Snyder Vending Co. in Buchanan.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; two sons, Scott, of Sebring, Fla., and Mark (Sharon), of Niles; granddaughter Rachel Pursley; and a brother, John, of South Bend, Ind.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Nancy Vrabel; and a brother, Jack.

A memorial service for Richard will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at Heartland Christian Church in Sebring, Fla. Local services are to be announced at a later date.

Memorials in honor of Richard may be made to Good Shepard Hospice or Heartland Christian Church in Sebring, Fla.