Richard E. Gallaway

Richard E. Gallaway, 75, of Van Wert, died at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, December 19, 2015, at Van Wert Manor.

He was born May 21, 1940, in Van Wert, the son of Carl and Flo (Williamson) Gallaway, who both preceded him in death. On October 29, 1990, in Williamsburg, Virginia, he married Julia (Hooker) Mengerink Gallaway, who survives in Van Wert.

Other survivors include two children, Nicole (fiancé Ty Fiegel) Whitaker of Van Wert and Aaron Gallaway of Providence, Rhode Island; a stepson, John (Lynn) Mengerink of Plainfield, Illinois; two brothers, William (Jeanne) Gallaway of Van Wert and Jerry (Sandy) Gallaway of Nashville, Tennessee; two grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Nicholas Burgoon; a stepgrandchild, David Mengerink; and a great-grandchild, Aubrie Moore.

A sister, Marjorie Linser, also preceded him in death.

Richard worked at Aeroquip Corporation in Van Wert for 32 years and was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Van Wert.

He was a 1958 graduate of Van Del High School and his proudest moment was when he retired after 21 years from the Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S. Army Reserves as a sergeant first class (E-7). He loved working in the yard and making gift items in his workshop. He was a member of American Legion Post 178 in Van Wert.

Graveside funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 30, in Woodland Cemetery, with the Rev. Paul W. Miller officiating. Military honors will be rendered by combined units from Legion Post 178 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803 in Van Wert.

There will be calling hours.

Preferred memorials: The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements were handled by Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.