Richard Ernest Widdowson

WIDDOWSON, Richard E., age 92, of Clayton passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones on Friday January 18. Born and raised in Princess Anne, Maryland, Dick joined the U.S. Army after high school and proudly served in the 16th Armored Division under General George Patton during World War II. He participated in the liberation of Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, where he returned in 2005 to be honored along with his division as part of the 60th anniversary of the liberation. Dick settled in Dayton after the war, met his beautiful wife JoAnne and began a long and successful career with General Motors as an engineer, where he was awarded over 30 patents and received multiple honors including the G.M. Community Service Award. He was an active member of Memorial Baptist Church for many years, serving both the church and the Lower Riverdale community in many capacities. In his retirement, Dick built a beautiful home with loving wife Mary Ann, where he enjoyed landscaping, gardening and moving dirt around with his Kubota tractor, as well as entertaining his family and friends with his witty stories. Throughout his entire life, Dick was known as a man always willing to help anyone and everyone in need of a meal, a ride, or any device that needed repair. He was truly one of the greatest of the Greatest Generation. He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Grace Widdowson, his six brothers, and his wife JoAnne (Norris). He is survived by his wife Mary Ann (Westhoven), daughter Marjorie (Rick) Strader, son Mark (Beth) Widdowson, grandchildren Sean (Noelle) Strader, Alex (Katie) Widdowson, Colin Strader, Andrew (Emily) Widdowson, Kerry Strader and Adam Widdowson, great-granddaughter Rowan Strader and dear friends Arlene Rasnic and C.J. Spriestersbach. There will be a Gathering of Family and Friends, Monday, January 21, 2019 at the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME ENGLEWOOD CHAPEL, 675 West Wenger Road from 5 -7 pm. There will also be a gathering on Tuesday, January 22 starting at 11:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Dick’s life at 12 noon with Reverend Leroy Chambliss presiding. Burial will be in Dayton Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton. Messages of sympathy and support and complete obituary may be made at: www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.