COLUMBIA CITY - Richard G. Birtwhistle, 75, of South Whitley, died at 8 p.m. Feb. 5, 2009, at Renaissance Village.
He was born June 20, 1933, in Mishawaka, to Glenn W. and Mildred Elliot Birtwhistle. On Sept. 28, 1974, he married Phyllis J. Eberly who died Feb. 17, 2007.
A graduate of Pierceton High School, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He worked at Whitley Products, Pierceton, from 1955 until 1958 when he began his employment at Gripco. He retired in 1993.
Surviving are two stepdaughters, Sharon (and spouse Charles) Disbrow and Karen (and spouse Craig) Jordan, all of South Whitley; two stepsons, Richard (and spouse Ann) King, London, England; and Mick (and spouse Lisa) King, Warsaw; seven step-grandchildren, 18 step-great-grandchildren; and a brother, John William Birtwhistle, South Bend.
Services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley, with the Rev. Paul Burris, of South Whitley United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery.
Calling is 1 - 3 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home.
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Memorials to Southern Care Hospice.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
