Dick Kilgore, 69

Richard (Dick) Lloyd Kilgore, 69, of Sturgis passed away peacefully Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013, at Community Health Center of Branch County in Coldwater.

Born July 10, 1944, in Battle Creek to John and Berniece (Lingg) Kilgore, Richard lived his life between Battle Creek and Sturgis.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, John and Bernice (Lingg) Kilgore. Richard is survived by his wife, Paddie (Carver) Kilgore; sons Richard Lloyd Kilgore II and wife, Melanie (Buhler), of Kalamazoo; Adam Triebsch and his partner, Carie Bronson, of California; and Jacob “Jake” Triebsch of Grand Rapids. He also is survived by his sisters, Linda Starks of Texas and Virginia Works of Idaho; ands his three grandchildren, Ashley Kilgore, Brianna Kilgore and Peyton Buhler.

Richard was a veteran of the Vietnam War and had the honor of serving as a bodyguard to Father Vincent Robert Capodanno, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his service. The story of Capodanno in Vietnam was the subject of the book “The Grunt Padre.” Richard always had a copy of the book on hand and proudly showed his picture with Father Capodanno on the back cover. Richard was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device and the Vietnam Service Medal.

Richard was a real motivator and had a long and distinguished business career in various capacities such as supervisor, plant manager and sales manager for cereal companies such as Post and Kellogg’s and manufacturing companies such as Clark Equipment, Owens Classic and Amerimax/Alcoa.

Richard enjoyed riding his Harley and was a hot rod and Corvette enthusiast who used his personal vision to create unique and custom hot rods. He had a way of making his cars represent this, along with paying attention to the smallest details that always separated his vehicles from the crowd.

Richard had a charismatic personality who affected the lives of most everyone he met. His character is what endeared him to his friends and brought him success and respect in the workplace. Richard was an animal lover who found a special affection for cats, especially his garage cat Wild Thing and his indoor special buddy Gizmo.

Services will be held for Richard Kilgore, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013, It will begin with visitation and a brief memorial 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at his home at 67841 North Big Hill Road, Sturgis, followed by full military funeral honors at 2:30 p.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Animal Rescue Project, 219 Peekstock, Kalamazoo, MI 49001, www.animalrescueproject.org.