Richard D. Eason of Valparaiso passed away Thursday, June 24, 2010 in Hobart, Indiana. He was 67.

A lifelong Northwest Indiana resident, Richard was born June 11, 1943, in Valparaiso to Eugene Henry and Anna J. (Fritsch) Eason, who preceded him in death.

Richard is survived by his wife, Conchita “Connie” Rectitud; brothers Harold “Bud” (wife Margaret) Eason of Michigan City, and Frederick (Linda) Eason of Liberty Township; sisters Norma (husband Bob) Chartier of Florida, Doris Bickel of Ohio, Shirley Harris of Kansas City, Mo., Patricia "Wig" (George) Peldys of Michigan, Marlene Westergren of Chesterton, and Ruth Nadol of Florida; nephew Gregory (Viki) Nadol; and many other nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by brothers Leonard and Thomas Eason and by his children David Matthew and Susannah Joy Eason.

Perhaps the loss of his children was the reason that he loved all children and was beloved in return by them. Richard was not only a dedicated and loving husband, but also a devoted son, caring for his elderly mother for many years with grace, gentleness and a rare selflessness. An avid fisherman, bird watcher and amateur naturalist, Richard was kind not only to people, but to animals too. He had a deep faith in God, and he practiced the ideal that all living things are God’s creatures to be treasured and treated with love and respect. He was a member of Living Word Sanctuary, Living Waters, and Couples for Christ. Richard worked as steel worker at Continental Can and Midwest Steel. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and served in the Vietnam War aboard the USS Bennington in the Philippines and other ports of call. A rare and true gentleman, Richard was loving and forgiving, facing life’s hardships with grace. He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed by all he touched with his laughter and kindness.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 28 at 10 a.m. at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton, with Pastor Art Pettyjohn officiating. Burial will follow at Chesterton Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 27, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to World Vision children’s charity www.worldvision.org

 Online condolences may be made at www.ee-fh.com

Posted 6/25/2010