Richard K. Will, age 87, of Whitehall, died peacefully Sunday, December 2nd, 2012, at Mercy Health Partners, Mercy campus. He was born October 18, 1925 to Joseph and Augusta (Brandt) Will at Jackson, MI. He attended Jackson Schools and enlisted in the Navy in 1942. He served in the South Pacific from 1943 to 1946. As a Seaman 1st Class he remained in the Naval Reserve being discharged in 1955. He was a gunner on S. S. James Oliver in the Armed Guard. As a youth he became a part of the State of Michigan Youth Corps and served in riot control during the Detroit riots of the early 40’s. He was joined in marriage to Donna Critchett , January 15th , 1949 . He was among the 1st twelve people hired at Misco in Whitehall in 1951. He worked there 32 years while they became Howmet and later Howmet Alcoa. He was very community minded, establishing the 1st White Lake Little League Field and continuing its maintenance for many years. He faithfully took responsibility for property maintenance at Lebanon Lutheran Church until ill health intervened. He and Donna celebrated 63 years of marriage last January, 2012.
SURVIVORS include his wife, Donna and seven children. Gary (Lori Blair), Wendy (Andy) Shalifoe, Mark (Mary Kay), David (Karla), James (Lori), Daniel (Judi) and Joni Will at home; fourteen grandchildren, Harper Will, Astrid Will, Jenny Shalifoe, Catherine (Nick) Wallace, Kelly Shalifoe, Chip (Tracy) Will, Stacy Roberts, Bryon Will, Stephanie (Bryan) Sager, Eric (Sara) Will, Brent (Lindsey) Will, Nicholas Will, Rikki Will, Alexander Will; eight great grandchildren and four sisters, Maxine Rose, Shirley Echelbarger, Joanne Bruce, Betty Bailey, sister-in-law, Joanne Will, brother-in-law, Gary Bailey and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Gordon and John; four sisters Harriet, Margaret, Dorothy and Mary Lou.
SERVICES will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, December 8, 2012 at Lebanon Lutheran Church, Whitehall, 1101 S. Mears, with the Rev. Douglas M. Ogden officiating. Interment will be in Oakhurst Cemetery, Whitehall. A MILITARY SALUTE will be at Oakhurst Cemetery, conducted by the Honor Squad of Algot Johnson American Legion Post #69.
VISITING TIME will be 6-8 at Lebanon Lutheran Church on Friday, December 7, 2012.
MEMORIALS to Lebanon Lutheran in Richard’s name may be considered.
PRIVATE CONDOLENCES may be sent by visiting www.clockfuneralhomeofwl.com.
CLOCK Funeral Home of White Lake
Whitehall
231-894-5676
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