Richard Allen Wilhelm, 68, Tool and Die Maker

He was born December 26, 1932 in Amherst. Raised in South Amherst, he graduated from South Amherst High School with the class of 1950. He had been a lifelong South Amherst resident.

He served in the US Navy during the Korean War. He was employed for 30 years at the Bendix Corp. in Elyria as a tool and die maker. He then worked for General Motors for 10 years as a tool and die maker. He also worked part-time for Higgins Pharmacy, Amherst delivering pharmaceuticals. He was a member of South Amherst United Methodist Church where he was active in the choir and served on the Church Board. Richard joined South Amherst Fire Department in 1948 and achieved the position of Assistant Fire Chief in 1976, a position he held until 1984. He also served as the Fire Department Secretary until 2000 and was a member of the South Amherst American Legion Post #197. He enjoyed wood working, making rocking horses and jigsaw puzzles.

Survivors include his wife of forty six years, Marilyn (nee Foor) Wilhelm; son John Wilhelm of South Amherst; daughters, Mrs. Joseph (Sherry) Gentile and Mrs. Robert (Pamela) Garcia, both of South Amherst; twelve grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and brothers Robert J. and Kenneth W. Wilhelm, both of Elyria.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jacob John in 1979 and Frieda Anna (nee Hirter) Wilhelm in 1996; and by a brother Norman Wilhelm in 1999.

Friends may call Wednesday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 at the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave.; Amherst. South Amherst Legion Post 197 will be performing a military service on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. as well as providing an Honor Guard on the day of the services. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 a.m. from South Amherst United Methodist Church; 201 West Main St. with the Rev. N. James Greenawalt, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, South Amherst.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the South Amherst United Methodist Church; 201 West Main St., South Amherst 44001 or to the South Amherst Fire Department, c/o South Amherst Fireman's Association; 105 West Main St., South Amherst 44001.