Richard Clifton Hoard

Richard Clifton Hoard of Merrill, Michigan

Beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Monday, September 4, 2023, at Covenant HealthCare - Cooper. He was 79 years old. Richard Clifton Hoard was born on December 18, 1943, in Midland, Michigan, to the late Clifton and Frances (Novak) Hoard. He met the love of his life, Carolyn J Simpson, through friends and became inseparable. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on October 7, 1967; she preceded him in death on February 19, 2017. Richard worked at Hehr International, now known as Lippert Components, in Chesaning, Michigan, devoting 42 years to the company. The role of his lifetime was to be a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Richard's little piece of heaven was spending time fishing and watching the classic Westerns on television. He will forever be remembered for always smiling and being happy, for his wonderful sense of humor and ability to joke around with those he loved, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories.

Surviving are a daughter, Pam Blakeslee of St. Charles; two grandchildren: Amanda (Patrick) Bemiss of Merrill; Mikeal (Jessica Gohm) Blakeslee of Standish; four great-grandchildren children: Eric, Isabella, Noah Bemiss, and Olivia; a sister-in-law, Lorna Skrzypczak of Bay City. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn J. Hoard; a son, Richard C. "Little Richie" Hoard; and a stepdaughter, Paula Ellison; sister-in-law, Sheila (Jerry) Miller; and a brother-in-law, Bob Skrzypczak.

A Funeral Service will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023, at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 125 E. Saginaw Street, Merrill. Pastor Ted McCulloch will officiate. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral chapel on Friday from 12:00 p.m. (Noon) until the time of the service. A private committal will take place in Lakefield Township Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to DaVita Dialysis. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.