Richard Clinton, Sr.

Richard Leo "Dick" Clinton, Sr. Hickory Corners, MI Age 77, died Sunday morning, September 28, 2014 at his residence after a brave fight with a long and exhausting illness and surrounded by his loving family. Dick was born July 2, 1937 in Battle Creek, MI to Earnest and Kathleen (Wilson) Clinton. He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1955. On August 25, 1956, Dick married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Ann Smith and the couple shared the next 58 years together. Dick was a devoted and loving husband and father. He coached softball and baseball teams for all three of his children, resulting in 17 years of volunteering in the summer kids' leagues. He is remembered fondly for his coaching techniques of using compliments and smiles to encourage his teams to excel as well as stay relaxed during stressful game situations. Dick also enjoyed camping and fishing. Every year, Dick kept up two to three vegetable gardens, grapes, and a strawberry patch in his backyard. Dick was a respected design engineer among his peers. He worked 21 years at Clark Equipment Company in Battle Creek until the company moved out of state. He then contracted as a design engineer at various companies with the last company being Steelcase of Grand Rapids. Dick was well known for his hard work ethic and his excellent abilities. Dick is survived by his loving wife, Ruth; his loving children: son, Richard Leo (Linda) Clinton, Jr. of Kalamazoo, MI; his daughters, Vicki S. Clinton of Livonia, MI and Dawn M. (Stephen) Wend of Grosse Pointe Woods, MI; five grandchildren, Cory and Craig Casagrande, Carlo and Rocco Recchia and Anna Clinton; his brother, Russell (Linda) Clinton of Mecosta, MI and several nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded by his parents and two brothers, Roger and Ronald Clinton. The Funeral Service to celebrate Dick's life will be held on Thursday, October 2nd at 11 AM at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89) with the Rev. Dave Johnson of The Peoples Church of Kalamazoo, officiating. Interment will follow in East Hickory Corners Cemetery, Barry Township of Barry County, MI. The Clinton Family will receive friends from 5-7 PM on Wednesday, October 1st at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dick's honor may be directed to the West Michigan Cancer Center, 200 North Park Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 or Hospice Care of Southwestern Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. The family would like to thank Hospice of Southwest MI for their compassion and excellent support during the end of Dick's illness. Dick Clinton will be remembered by family and friends as a role model. Living simply, not needing recognition while always lovingly providing for his family, being a friend and an exemplary employee.