Richard Weston

Richard Paul Weston of Hillsdale, Mich., formerly of Newton and Keokuk, passed away Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born Dec. 23, 1948, in Pontiac, Mich., to Donald “Jack” and Lois (Keillor) Weston. Richard married Anita Runnells Sept. 7, 1968, and she survives.

Richard graduated from Lincoln High School in Warren in 1967, and he attended Ferris State University, where he received certification in technical drafting/tool design. While raising a family, he received his bachelors in teaching from Wayne State University in 1976. Richard taught for 26 years at Pontiac, Clarkston, Keokuk and Newton High School, and he later received his masters from Western Illinois University. Richard’s passion for teaching wasn’t just in the classroom. He helped children reach their goals by serving as a Pathfinder leader and coaching wrestling, cross country, football, baseball and track. Richard was honored as Coach of the Year in 1986. He was an active Elks Club member since 1982, serving as Exalted Ruler in Newton from 2005-2006. Richard enjoyed camping, playing sports and board games, genealogy and spending time with his family, especially dressing up as Santa Claus for his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Anita, Richard is survived by two daughters, Shannon (Terry) Welihan of Hunt Valley, Md., and Candy (Gary) Berquam of Keokuk; son, Richard Weston of Hillsdale; nine grandchildren; 12 siblings; and several nieces and nephews.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Tom.

A memorial service for Richard Weston will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9 at the Hillsdale Elks Lodge Post 1575 with Exalted Ruler Charlie Bryant officiating. Interment will take place at a later date at King Lake Cemetery.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Hillsdale Elks Scholarship Fund. Visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com to view the full obituary and leave condolences.