Richard V. Simonton

SIMONTON, Richard V.
Kalamazoo, MI Richard "Dick" Simonton, age 80, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2014, at Borgess Medical Center. Dick was born on September 18, 1934, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of the late Clio and Ruth White Simonton. He grew up, went to school and lived in the Kalamazoo area his entire life. He worked for George's Appliance for many years. Dick was a long time member of the Centre Avenue Church of God and a former member of Eastwood Church of God. He loved to go fishing and also collected and built model cars, and laughed out loud at the Three Stooges movies. Dick's family had a special place in his heart and he never missed a family event with his loved ones. Despite an outwardly shy demeanor, for those who knew him, he always had fun joining in on a story or a joke. He also enjoyed spending time with his long time friend, Pat Kitchen. Dick had an excellent memory and he would often challenge people with stories even they had forgotten. He faced many challenges in his life, yet managed to live a full and happy life and to make the best of what he had. Dick is survived by his siblings, Joanne and Bud Toornman of Portage, Michigan and Paul and Mary Simonton of St. Joseph, Michigan; 6 nieces and nephews; 8 great-nieces and -nephews and 6 great-great-nieces and -nephews. Dick's family will receive guests on Saturday morning, December 13th from 10:00 to 11:00 at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St., where services will begin at 11:00. Interment in Hillside Cemetery will follow services. Memorials may be directed to Centre Avenue Church of God.