Richard W. Schall

Richard and his wife, Mary (Betty) moved to Columbus in November of 1997 to be near their

children. He came to love Columbus as his town. The neighborhoods and parks were a source

of great enjoyment for him. He was a member of St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church. He had

spent most of his years in Belleville, Michigan where he was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic

Church. A very devout Catholic, his great joys included attending Mass and saying his rosary.

A more than avid gardener throughout his life, he continued to have a garden even this year

with the help of his son, Mick. He was known mostly for his amazing tomatoes, but let’s not

forget his yummy oatmeal cookies. Richard was retired from GM where he worked as a

millwright for 27 years. After his retirement, his hobbies were working in his garden, scrapping,

and tinkering in his garage. Richard loved music; Big Band, Country and Classical could all be

found in his collection. His other passion was old Hollywood, the movies, the stars and their

lives. He could always be found on any reasonably warm day sitting in his garage listening to

music or taking a long walk in Donner Park.

He was born in Detroit, Michigan on July 9, 1919 to Joseph and Phoebe (Jennings) Schall. He

graduated from Belleville High School in 1937. Richard proudly served our country in WWII

beginning March 31, 1941. He saw active duty for over 2 years in the Aleutian Islands, Eastern

Mandates and the Southern Philippines. He was awarded 2 Bronze Stars for his service and

honorably discharged on September 20, 1945. He married Mary (Betty) Elizabeth Opal on

November 25, 1950. She preceded him to the Lord on May 28, 2005.

Richard is survived by his beloved children Theresa (Martin) Books and Michael W. Schall, sister

Eunice (Martin) Carbrey, brother Ralph (Mary) Schall, and sister-in-law Roberta (Thomas) Schall.

Also surviving is his special sister-in-law “Missy Joan” Kelly who generously gave her time and

love to his care in his later years. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, friends

and caregivers without whom he could not have remained at home in his final days.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty, parents, brothers Donald, Earl and

Thomas, sister Rosalie Donovan, sister-in-law Dorothy (Donald) Schall, brother-in-laws Martin

(Eunice) Carbrey and Ralph (Rosalie) Donovan.

All memorial contributions can be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. Our Hospice

was instrumental in Richard’s care and comfort in his final days. In accordance with Richard’s

wishes, cremation is planned and a memorial service with his family will take place at a later

unspecified date. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Hathaway-Myers Chapel where online

condolences may be submitted at www.hathaway-myers.com.