Richard Early

Richard D. Early, 97, of Oshtemo, passed away Sunday, August 11, 2024 at Provision Living. Dick was born June 15, 1927, in Kalamazoo, the son of Leon and Myrtle (Boekeloo) Early.

In his younger years, Dick spent time on his grandparents' farm often delivering eggs to Borgess Hospital and other locations from the back of a horse drawn wagon. One of his more memorable jobs was as a paper boy selling the Kalamazoo Gazette on a street corner downtown Kalamazoo for 5 cents. Dick also loved spending summer months with his cousins at his aunt and uncle's farm in Copper, Michigan.

Dick attended Roosevelt School where he made many friends. He attended Kalamazoo Central High School for three years before leaving in 1944 to help in the war effort. Because of his age, he was unable to join the military with many of his friends, so at the age of 16 and with his father's permission, Dick enlisted in the Merchant Marines. He shipped out from Boston Harbor, transporting troops and supplies to Europe and England. In 1946, he and his friend, Bud Doxey, enlisted in the Army where he served in occupied Japan.

After his honorable discharge, Dick earned his GED and enrolled in classes at Western Michigan University. Dick held many jobs around Kalamazoo and dated several women named Phyllis before meeting his perfect Phyllis at a dance. They married in 1949 and started their large family. To support this growing family, Dick began a career at The Upjohn Company, retiring as a supervisor in Dry Product Packaging in 1987. After retirement, Dick and Phyllis continued to enjoy winters in Florida and their ever-growing family. Dick lovingly cared for Phyllis during her illnesses, until her death in 1993.

Dick was a past commander for VFW Post 827, where he was still a member and Trustee. Dick loved spending time at the club and was proud of the work and support the Post gave for veterans in the Kalamazoo area. Dick was a long-time member of the Saint Mary's Men's Club, past member of the Elks, Moose Lodge, and loved his many years as a volunteer Eucharistic Minister at Borgess Hospital. Dick was an avid golfer in the Men's Senior League at Eastern Hills Golf Course. Over the years, he enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting and coaching Little League at Eastwood. In his later years, Dick embraced his ever-growing family and welcomed each new addition with love and pride.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife, Phyllis (Lillis), sister, Doris, brother, Kenneth, and grandsons, Kody and Joseph. He is survived by his children, Timothy (Judy) Early of Kalamazoo, Patrick (Joanne Kimak) Early of Kalamazoo, Micheal (Pamela) Early of Kalamazoo, Mary (Michael) Caldwell of Kalamazoo, Matthew (Mary) Early of Parchment, Molly (Rick) Reeves of Lawton and Maureen (Sam) Raymond of Paw Paw; 20 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren plus one on the way; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received Thursday, August 15, 2024 from 2 – 4 PM and 6 – 8 PM at Adams-Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM Friday, August 16, 2024 at St. Monica Catholic Church, 4408 S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Interment with military honors will follow at Grand Prairie Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the VFW Post 827 Building Fund or Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo (Caring Network program). Memories and messages of condolence may be left on Dick's webpage at www.redmondfuneralhomes.net.