Aug. 17, 1934 - May 16, 2013

ELKHART — The Rev. Dr. Richard John Handley, 78, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, passed away on Thursday morning, May 16, 2013, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born Aug. 17, 1934, in Kingston, Pa., to the late Thomas and Doris (Pearce) Handley.

In addition to his parents, a brother, George Handley, preceded him in death.

On Sept. 12, 1959, he married Donna D. Mundrick in Williamsport, Pa.

She survives, as do his children, Sharon Leazenby and Cyndi Handley, both of Elkhart, Jennifer Cox and husband Gary of Clintwood, Va., Lynette Herrera and husband Leif of Indianapolis and Richard Handley and wife Brandi of Niles, Mich.; seven grandchildren, with one expected soon; brother David Handley and wife Betty of Tunkhannock, Pa.; and sister Nancy Morgans and husband Ted of Medford Lakes, N.J.

The Rev. Dr. Handley served as a priest in the Episcopal Church for over 40 years. He was the founder of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church and the assistant rector at Christ Church, both in Lexington, Ky., and served as the former rector of St. David's Episcopal Church in Elkhart, St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Richmond and Trinity Episcopal Church in Lexington, Mich.

He was a member of Full Gospel Businessman's Fellowship and served as a hospice volunteer and a hospital chaplain. He also served in the Civil Air Patrol.

Richard loved to garden and read his Bible, whittle, and collecting knives and beer steins.

Please join with his family and friends as we celebrate his life with visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Friends may also call for one hour prior to the 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2013, funeral service at New Hope United Methodist Church, 28765 C.R. 4, Elkhart. The Rev. Lee Campbell will officiate.

Burial and graveside services will follow at Carleton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, his family request memorials to the Humane Society of Elkhart County, 54687 C.R. 19, Bristol, IN 46507; or Faith Mission, 300 N. Main St., Elkhart, IN 46516.

To share a memory of the Rev. Dr. Handley with his family or send a condolence, please visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

---