Richard Allen Kleinschmidt, 78, of Grayville, Illinois, died Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. He was born August 5, 1942, in Wabash County, Illinois, the son of Harold and Alberta Fern (Utley) Kleinschmidt. He married Debera (Michels) Kleinschmidt on February 22, 2001, and she survives.
For many years, Richard was the owner and operator of Kirsch and Kleinschmidt located at Grayville’s riverfront. He was a member of the Lutheran Church and, upon graduation from Grayville High School; he served in the United States Air Force. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion. In his leisure time, he enjoyed watching the crops grow and develop, travelling, and spending time with his family.
Survivors include his wife, Debbie Kleinschmidt of Grayville; sons David (Coleen) Kleinschmidt of Grayville, Russell Fewkes of Ellery, Illinois, Daniel (Amanda) Metcalf, Mikel (Phyllis) Metcalf, all of Albion, Illinois; sisters Ann (Terry) Ayers of Evansville, Helen Findling of Scottsdale, Arizona; grandchildren Kaili, Madison, Tristen, Blake, Alec, Kassidi, Brooklyn, Cage, Brandt, and Cherokee (Caitlyn).
He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter Julie Ann Kleinschmidt; and brother Harlan Kleinschmidt.
Graveside funeral service with military rites is 10 am, Friday, June 4, 2021, at Oak Grove Cemetery in Grayville. There is no prior visitation.
Memorials may be made to the Grayville New American Legion and will be accepted at Cook Funeral Chapel in Grayville, who is in charge of arrangements.