Richard Gerard "Dick" Pleyte

Richard Gerard "Dick" Pleyte of Galesburg, MI



Dick, age 83, of Galesburg, MI, passed away Saturday, December 5, 2015, surrounded by family.

Dick, son of Gerard and Laura (France) Pleyte, was born November 2, 1932, in Hart, Michigan. He was a 1949 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Western Michigan University in 1959. Dick served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War as Airman Third Class with the 321st Air Police Squadron. After 32 years with the UpJohn Co. of Kalamazoo, he retired as the Director of Sales, Veterinary Division, Eastern Region.

Dick married Barbara J. DeYoung in Kalamazoo on February 4, 1954. Surviving is his wife of 62 years, Barb; daughter, Mary Jo (Stan) Barrett, of South Lake Tahoe, CA; son, Perry D. (Karen) Pleyte of Bliss, ID, and Becky S. (Claude) Alley of Sheridan, WY. Also survived by six precious grandchildren, Clayton (Krysta) Pleyte, RaeAnne (Rick) Piccirilli, Laura (Andrew) Romines, Kyle (Ashley) Barrett, Olivia Alley, and Sarah Alley. In addition, 3 great-grandchildren, Kyleigh Romines, Lilia Piccirilli, Claire Romines and his brother, Gary (Barbara) Pleyte of Kalamazoo.

Dick was a charter member of the Living Hope Community of Richland, MI (formerly the Gull Lake Area Community Church); a life member of the Augusta V.F.W. Post #7956 and a member of the National Rifle Association. He was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman.

Dick's life celebration will be held on Friday, December 11th at 12:30 p.m. at the Living Hope Community Church, 9292 East CD Avenue, Richland, MI 49083 with the Rev. Todd J. TerAvest, Pastor, officiating. Dick's family will greet friends from 11:30 a.m. until service time at the Church on Friday. Interment will follow in Fort Custer National Cemetery with the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard bestowing full, military honors. Immediately following the Graveside Service, family and friends will return to the Living Hope Community Church Social Hall to continue Dick's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dick's honor may be directed to Living Hope Community Church. The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel (269-629-6022) is handling Dick's arrangements.