Richard M. Wilson

Surrounded by family, Richard M. Wilson, age 84, residing in South Bend, Indiana went home to be with the Lord at 3:00 pm Saturday, October 15, 2016.  He was born on August 9, 1932 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Otis and Mildred (Gindelberger) Wilson.

On September 24, 1955 in Mishawaka, Richard was united in marriage to Marilyn L. (Weber) Wilson, who survives.  Along with his loving wife, Marilyn; Richard is survived by daughters, Margaret W. Falls of Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Jennifer M. (James) Witmer of Mishawaka; sons, Michael R. (Becky) Wilson of Bremen and Andrew P. (Shannon) Wilson of Voorheesville, New York; eleven grandchildren, Anthony, Lyndsey, Benjamin, Hannah, Maury, Cassandra, Lucas, Sydney, Seth, Clara, and Landon; great grandchildren, Caleb, Parker and Sawyer;  his sister, Carolyn Coplen of Kodak, Tennessee; and extended family that loved him dearly.  His daughter, Dianne L. Wilson; and his brother, Thomas Wilson both preceded Richard in death.

Rich was a dedicated family man who enjoyed sharing his love for life in the country with his family and friends. Traditions and great memories were created over the years at the farm.  Through his love for the Lord, many were impacted by his generosity and loving kindness. 

Richard was proud of his lifelong vocation of being a pattern maker and tool and die maker. After working at several local shops during his 47 years in the business, he retired from CP Industries May 1998.During his years of work, he was especially proud to belong to and represent unions including the Machinists union and the UAW. He attended St. John United Church of Christ, Woodland, IN., where his beautiful tenor voice could always be heard in the choir.  He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was a member of American Legion Post 303, South Bend. 

Richard lived in LaGrange County through his school years, and attended Brushy Prairie and Mongo High School, where he developed lifelong friendships.

His interests included traveling, especially to the upper reaches of Lake Michigan, which he considered God’s gift to mankind.  He also loved to collect cars, especially Chryslers and Studebakers.  He sat on the boards of Farm Bureau and the Whitlock.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at St. John United Church of Christ, 63900 SR 331, (Woodland) South Bend, IN, where friends may visit with the family from 10:00 am until time of services.  Pastor JoAn Schaetzle will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN. 

Contributions in memory of Richard may be offered to Northern Indiana Food Bank of St. Joseph County, 702 Chapin Street, South Bend, IN 46601 or to St. John United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 35, Wyatt, IN 46595.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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