Richard was born on April 29, 1938 in Fremont, Indiana to Carlton and Lola (Schieber) Petty, they preceded him in death.
He graduated from Metz High School in 1956. After high school he served in the United States Army.
Richard worked at Dana-Weatherhead in Angola, Indiana for many years, and retired as a tool inspector. He was also a farmer and worked on a farm for most of his life, and helped in trucking crops for several farms in the area. He enjoyed being outdoors, farming, hunting, and reading.
He married Marjorie H. Straw on November 28, 1968 in Flint, Indiana, together they lived on the family farm for 49 years until her passing on August 11, 2017.
Survivors include two grandsons, Zach (DaKesha) Straw, and Chase (Jackie) Straw, both of Angola, Indiana, great-grandchildren, Zain, Kamaron, Olivia, Landon, and Lilly, a brother, Robert Petty of Angola, Indiana, and a sister, Glenda Reed of Sarasota, Florida.
Richard was also preceded in death by a step-son, Kenneth Joe ”Kenny” Straw.
Graveside Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 pm Friday, December 28, 2018 at Greenlawn Cemetery, Orland, Indiana, with Rev. Darin Hendrey officiating.
Military Honors will be conducted by members of the Fremont American Legion Cassel Post # 257.
Memorial donations in his memory are requested to McClure Nature Preserve or Wing Haven, in care of Beams Funeral Home, P.O. Box 5, Fremont, Indiana 46737.
