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Oct. 10, 1944 — June 27, 2020

Richard Leigh Specht, 75, of Dowagiac, died peacefully Saturday, June 27, 2020, in his residence in the comfort of his family’s presence.

He was born Oct. 10, 1944, in Dowagiac, the youngest of three boys born to Clifford and Marian Specht.

He married Geraldine Swartz on Feb. 27, 1965, in Cassopolis. 

Richard was an amazing husband and father. He was a hard worker and enjoyed staying busy. He loved farming, woodworking, working on tractors and cars, as he was a skilled mechanic. He had a gentle heart for all animals. Richard enjoyed being outdoors and would go fishing in his younger days. He was a pressman with Simplicity Pattern Company in Niles for 13 years. He then worked at Ameriwood Industries in Dowagiac and retired after 25 years. Alongside his main employment he also worked for Lyons Industries and at Haggin Wimberley Auto, as a custodian, for 15 years. 

Richard will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Geraldine Specht; daughter, Lisa (Matthew) Eddington, of Cincinnati, Ohio; son, Gregory Specht, of Dowagiac; four grandchildren, Amanda Miller, of Columbus, Ohio, Emily Spicher, of Dowagiac, Valerie Eddington, of Cincinnati, Ohio, Jesse Specht, of Dowagiac; four great-grandchildren, Bayleigh, Madeline, Dimitri and one on the way; and a host of nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; one infant son, Edward; two brothers, Clifford M. Specht and Allan E. Specht Sr.; one nephew, Allan; and one niece, Linda. 

The family will observe a private remembrance.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Richard be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.