Richard Allen Backus, Sr., 60, of Berrien Center, died at 3:52 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph of natural causes.

Richard was born Jan. 10, 1950 in Berrien Center. He was a lifetime area resident.

He was a machine operator at Tyler Refrigeration for 23 years. He was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran.

Richard married Diane Backus Nov. 22, 1969 in Niles. She survives and lives in Berrien Center.

He is also survived by his father, Victor Backus, Sr.; son, Richard Allen Backus, Jr. of Niles; daughter, Shelly (Jeffrey) Thompson of Niles; brother, Victor (Mary) Backus, Jr. of Buchanan; sister, Janice Leiter of Buchanan; and five grandchildren.

Richard was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Backus, and father-in-law, LeRoy Hydorn.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20, 2010 at Hoven Funeral Home in Buchanan.

Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the family.