Richard R. Kanode

Richard R. Kanode, a resident of Salem , Virginia, passed away at the Veterans Administration Hospital on November 22, 2008. He was 84 years old and will always be remembered as a devoted husband, dedicated father and a person displaying kindness and a sense of humor to all his friends. Richard was born in Kimbleton, Va., a small town in Giles County, Virginia, parents being Mr. and Mrs. Miles Kanode. Upon graduation from high school, he served his country in the United States Army and is recognized as a decorated veteran of World War II. He was assigned to the 756th Tank Batallion as a tank driver, and he participated in combat campaigns in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, French Croix De Guerre and the North African Campaign Medal with Palms. After his esteemed tour in the US Army , he returned to Virginia and attended George Washington County Vocational School. This is where he met his eventual bride of 62 years, Maudie Hayes Kanode, of Glade Spring, Virginia. This blessed union resulted in the birth of four children. They are Nancy L. Combs and husband James Combs (deceased), of Sandy, Utah, Kathy A. Chapman, of Salem, Va., and son Michael Greenway, of Riverdale, Georgia, Richard Kanode Jr., wife Donna, of Chesapeake, Va., and Timothy G. Kanode, and feline companion Sylvester and numerous grandchildren noted. A private viewing will be conducted for immediate family with a graveside service to be held on November 24, 2008 also for immediate family only. The Kanode family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son, Salem.