SOUTH WHITLEY – Richard A. Shilling, 83, formerly of South Whitley, died at 2:42 p.m. Sept. 2, 2011, in Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw. He was in failing health.
He was born Dec. 16, 1927, in DeKalb County, to Howard and Ethel Barrows Shilling. On Nov. 27, 1948, he married Betty Lou Gibson, who died Oct. 1, 1992. On Feb. 12, 1994, he married Virginia Garber Schue, who survives.
He graduated from Spencerville High School. He entered the U.S. Army Feb. 12, 1946, and was honorably discharged Dec. 24, 1946.
He lived in Auburn and then South Whitley for more than 30 years. In 1989, he moved to his summer home at Hill Lake near Silver Lake. He also lived in Warsaw. He was a sales representative for Sukup grain handling equipment for many years. In 1978, he and his sons started Wabash Valley Manufacturing, Silver Lake, which made commercial outdoor furniture. He was a member of United Methodist Church, South Whitley, and American Legion Post 49, Warsaw.
Also surviving are two sons, Jerry (and spouse Brenda) Shilling, Syracuse, and Michael (and spouse Kathy) Shilling, Warsaw; two stepsons, Paul (and spouse Margaret) Schue Jr., Warsaw, and Dennis Schue, Goshen; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren; and a brother, James Shilling, Spencerville. He was preceded in death by a stepson.
Service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery.
Calling is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. ***** Condolences may be sent via www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
