Richard A. McCreary

Richard A. “Dick” McCreary, 96, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully of natural causes at Greenleaf Health Campus in Elkhart on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 4:31 pm.

He was born Aug. 29, 1921 in Thief River Falls, MN to the late John and Ida Belle (Clark) McCreary, and leaves behind his beloved wife Shirley R. (Neterer), who survives at home.

Also surviving are his children John (Linda) McCreary, Mark (Nell) McCreary and Beth (Mark) Price, all of Elkhart; grandchildren Brandon (Mackenzie), Sean, Erik and Patrick McCreary and Rachel and Matthew Brown and great grandchildren Ezra, Zelda, Ashlynn and Austyn McCreary. Preceding him in death is a son, Brian McCreary, and siblings Evangeline, Clifford, John Marvin, Jeanette, Kathryn, Thelma and George Henry McCreary.

Pastor Carl Henry and the congregation of the Northside Baptist Church, 53198 CR 9, Elkhart, are honored to host Dick’s celebration of life services beginning with a viewing there on Monday, March 12, 2018 from 3-7pm. Services will follow on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10 am. Burial will follow at Frame Cemetery with military honors rendered by the US Navy Funeral Honor Guard and Elkhart DAV 19. Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dick was employed as an electrician at Federal Paperboard of Elkhart for over 43 years, retiring in 1984. He was a member of the Northside Baptist Church and Bristol American Legion Post #143. He enjoyed spending his summers and holidays at Birch Lake, and also liked camping at Potato Creek or up in Michigan’s U.P. He served honorably in the US Navy, both during WWII in New Hebrides and during Korea in Japan.

Memorial donations may be given to the Northside Baptist Church.

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