Richard Walter Allington's Obituary
On July 14, 2019, Richard Walter Allington of China MI answered a call from his heavenly Father, departing this life peacefully, from McLaren Hospital of Macomb, following complications of cardiac failure. His fiancé, Faye Burt, was at his side.
Surviving Richard is his blended family of Faye and her sister Cheryl (Steve) Chorazewitz, Richard’s children with Lois Allington: Robert Allington, Lori (Bernd) Wewelsiep, Richard Allington (Kristy), and Lisa (Scott) Zisler; Faye’s children: Julie (Lance) Danielson, and Jay Burt; his grandchildren: Shaun (Lynn) Zisler, Richie Allington, Chad Zisler, Carter (Stephanie), Robert, and Anna Allington; Faye’s grandchild Connor Danielson (who called him “Chicken Grandpa”); his great grandchild Branson Zisler; and his niece LuAnn (Jeff) Curran. He was proceeded in death by sister, Dorothy Beddow, and brother-in-law Charles Beddow.
Born on May 15, 1935 on the family farm in St. Clair to the late Robert B. Allington and Gertrude K. Westrick Allington, he walked to his neighborhood one room schoolhouse, and attended First Church, Adair, where he was baptized and confirmed.
In 1954, after graduating from St. Clair High School, during which he also apprenticed at the Ford dealership to learn mechanical repair, he enlisted in the army. After his scheduled duty he was a sergeant in the Michigan National Guard.
Richard started at the Diamond Crystal Salt Co. in February 1956. After a few years he decided to work for L. E. Myers Co. as a foreman erecting electrical towers across Michigan, a job he loved. As that job moved out of state, so as not to relocate his family, Richard then returned to Diamond Crystal as a Maintenance Supervisor, until retirement. He had also owned and operated Allington Poultry Farm for 25 years.
In 2005 he joined Family Farm & Home in Richmond and worked for 10 years. During his time there he earned the nickname “the Chicken Man” for his continuous care of said baby birds and graciously shared his knowledge of all farm animals with customers.
Retiring again in 2015, he kept busy on the farm he shared with Faye in China Twp – including: haying, cutting wood, raising chickens, enjoying nature/outdoors, and vacationing to Sanibel Island, Florida. Richard was also active in various committees at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Casco. He always kept a positive focus, calling the unexpected “just a bump in the road”. Grateful for each new day, he followed each sunrise and sunset, each seasonal change.
His family invites you to share with us, as we celebrate his life of 84 years. Visitation will be Thursday, August 1st, from 3-8 pm at Young Funeral Home (4061 St. Clair Hwy., China, MI, 48054). His funeral will be at St Paul’s Lutheran Church (5322 Palms Rd., Casco, MI 48064), at 11 am on Friday, August 2nd, with visitation starting there at 10 am prior to the service.
He has been cremated in accordance to his wishes and will be interred in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Cemetery Columbarium. Luncheon follows at Perch Point Conservation Club, Casco.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund, Blue Water Humane Society, or donor’s choice. To leave a message of comfort visit www.youngcolonial.com
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