We celebrate the life of Richard A. Cressman, 72 of St. Johns, MI, who passed away on November 8, 2017, peacefully, at his home after a long battle with cancer. Richard was the son of Almond and Dorothy (Beck) Cressman. He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School, St. Johns in 1963 and married his classmate, Linda Greer. They had one son, Ryan. Richard began work at a drop forge in Lansing, MI, while still working on the family farm. Richard then earned a managerial position with P&H manufacturing in Escanaba, MI, where they resided for a few years. A divorce lead Richard home to the family farm. He then married Karen Casteel. Richard and Karen have two children, Travis and Amanda. Richard loved the farm life and being involved with the farming community. He was always helping others and would willingly participate in neighborhood combine bees, or things of that nature, to help his neighbors out when needed. Richard eventually turned his lifelong passion into a successful business. He was always fond of collectible firearms, and became a very well-known expert in Michigan. Richard was a very straight forward and uncomplicated person, and would always put family and friends first.
Richard was a lifetime member of the St. Johns Masonic Lodge, following his father, and grandfathers. During this time, he was named the Mason of the Year for all his work and service to the Lodge and the St. Johns community. He enjoyed his relationship with other lodge brothers over the years and the service they provided within the community. Richard was raised in a Christian home and attended the First Congregational Church of St. Johns and recently began attending Pilgrim United Methodist Church, where his faith journey began to grow even more and his relationship with Christ strengthened. He was very appreciative of his adult Sunday school class and how it helped him grow during his illness.
Richard is survived by his wife Karen and his children Ryan (Sarah), Travis, and Amanda. He also has three grandchildren; Morgan, Corrington, and Wesley (Ryan and Sarah). Also surviving are his sisters; Nancy (Gerry) Myers of Fowler, and Connie (Russel) Bauerle of Bath, and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held with visitations on Saturday, November 11, 2017, from 2-4pm, and 6-8pm at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, MI, (989) 224-4422. Masonic services will begin at approximately 7:30 pm. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 12, at 1:30pm, at Pilgrim United Methodist Church in St. Johns, MI., with Pastor Andy Croel officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners organization.

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