Richard E. Switzer, age 78, passed away peacefully at his winter home in Gulf Shores, Alabama on Wednesday, January 30, 2019. Richard was born January 2, 1941 in Lansing, Michigan the son of the late Al and Mildred (Schlosser) Switzer.
He was a 1959 graduate of Holt High School and a 1961 graduate of Spring Arbor University and 1965 graduate of Wisconsin School of Mortuary Science.
Richard received his State of Michigan License to Practice Mortuary Science in 1965.
On September 4, 1965 he was united in marriage to Janet Kay (Debus) Switzer in East Lansing, MI. During the Vietnam War period, Richard served in the U.S. Army 1st Infantry, Hg Division from February 1966 until January 1968. He was awarded the U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran Bronze Star for his bravery in service after his honorable discharge. In 1973, Richard and Janet purchased the funeral home in Galesburg and later in Comstock, where they served those communities for nearly 30 years.
Richard was the ultimate civil servant having committed his life to serving others and helping every community he was involved in since a young boy. He was a lifelong member in the United Methodist churches in...[more]
chigan, starting in children's choral as a boy. He has been a member of both the Galesburg and Gulf Shores United Methodist Churches and choirs. He earned his Eagle Scout Badge with 3 Palms as a teenager. After his service in the Vietnam war he became a Life member of the Comstock VFW Post # 64. In the Galesburg community he served as President three times in the Galesburg Lion's Club, Gull Lake Lions Club and Gulf Shores Club. He earned the Melvin Jones Fellowship award in recognition of his service and dedication to raising awareness for the Leader Dog for the Blind. Richard was also active on several boards in and around Michigan and later Gulf Shores. This included being a lifetime member of Rotary Club, Tea Leaf International Club, lifetime Michigan Funeral Directors Association 777 Club, National Funeral Directors Association, South Haven American Legion, Costal Alabama Business Chamber, South Alabama Sr. Travelers Club, and Climax Prairie Lodge F. & A.M. #55 member. He was also the Founder and Curator Emeritus of the Galesburg Historical Museum and Emeritus Comstock Community Center Board Member. Overall one can say that his impact on his community will last for several generations to come.
On May 3, 2010, Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife, Janet, and his parents, Al & Vera.
Richard is survived by two cherished children and their spouses, Jeff & Marcia Switzer of Grand Rapids, Mi and Lisa & Mark Eiseman of Somerville, New Zealand; 6 grandchildren Parker, Logan, Alexandria, Samantha, Adelaigh and Tanner; a brother, Ronald and Margo Switzer of Diamondale, MI; two surrogate daughters, Jodi & Dale Clock of Muskegon and Michelle & Joe Starbuck of Alexandria, VA; an extraordinary mentorie, Brett & Kelly Wright of Muskegon, MI; a niece and two nephews, a number of cousins and many special friends in Michigan & Alabama and throughout the United States.
The family will welcome friends on Monday, February 4th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Galesburg Chapel, 145 W. Battle Creek Street, where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 5th at 11:00 AM with Rev. Leonard E. Davis officiating. Interment will follow on the family lot at Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg. Those who wish may make memorial contributions in Richard's memory to the Galesburg Historical Society & Museum. Please visit Richard's personalized web page where you can archive a memory, read his life story or make a memorial contribution at www.langelands.com
To read the full obituary, please click here: https://clockfuneralhome.com/obituaries/richard-e-switzer.125791