Richard James Caswell, age 72, of rural Sheridan, passed away Saturday, December 26, 2009 at Spectrum Health-Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids.

The son of Chalmer & Genevieve (Moriarity) Caswell, he was born on March 20, 1937 in Ionia. After high school, Richard enlisted in the United States Navy and was a veteran of the cold war era. While stationed in Hawaii, he met and married Nancy I. Olayer on July 23, 1957.

An avid outdoorsman, Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was a fan of both football and NASCAR. He had worked in customer service at A&O Equipment in Edmore.

He was preceded in death his parents; a step-father, Morris Nelson; three brothers, Jack Caswell, Billy Caswell, and Bob Nelson; and two sons, Randy Helmer and Thomas Giltner. Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Nancy Caswell of Sheridan; six children, Jan Caswell of Hawaii, Rina Becher & Mark Bunting of Stanton, Richard John & Linda Caswell of Sheridan, Rae Ehle of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Rollin Caswell of Greenville, and Nancy Anne Caswell of Sheridan; a brother, Tommy & Theresa Nelson of Canada; a sister, Helen & Richard Bracey of Sheridan; seventeen grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and many, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010 at St. Bernadette of Lourdes Catholic Church, 911 E. Main Street, Stanton, with the Rev. Father Anthony Britto presiding. Military honors, rendered by the U.S. Navy, will conclude the ceremonies and a luncheon will follow at the Sheridan V.F.W. Post 5065.

Honoring Richards wishes, cremation has taken place. Instead of flowers, contributions to the family would be appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the church.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Richards online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please click the “Sign Guest Book” link above.