Richard D. Root, Sr

ROOT, Sr., Richard D.
of Kalamazoo Passed away March 15, 2011 at home. He was born July 7th, 1930 in Kalamazoo, to the late Charles, Jr. and May Rice Root. Richard was united in marriage to Shirley J. Reardon Root on May 20, 1950, who preceded him in death in February of 2007. Richard had many interests and among them were, his love of family first and foremost, music; collecting handguns and deer hunting. He was also good with his hands as he loved building anything from cabins to picnic tables. He proudly served in the US Army, 11th Airborne until he was honorably discharged. Surviving Richard are his children, Richard D. Teresa Root of Kalamazoo, Steven J. Joyce Root of Kalamazoo and Cynthia J. Greg DeVries of Comstock; 9 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; siblings, Charles Root III, Anne Wayne Douglas, Franklin Linda Root, Barry Barbara Root, Stanley Root, Brandy Delene Root, Dixie Martin, Hope Chet Robb, Gloria Ammerman, Mary Lou Mike Roberts and Toni Dave Garrett; and many nieces and nephews. Also preceding Richard in death was a sister, Pat Bodtke; sisters-in-law, Virginia Root and Mary Dean Root; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Martin and Dennis Ammerman. Family will greet friends on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St., where services will take place on Monday, 1:00pm, Pastor Kenneth Smeader, officiating. Committal will follow at Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Kalamazoo Missionary Church. Please see www.langelands.com for online obituary, directions, register book and condolences, 343-1508.