Richard W. Maher

Richard Wendell Maher, 90, of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully on Saturday December 31, 2016. He was born in Battle Creek on April 20, 1926, the son of James and Amelia (Lorig) Maher. The families were lifelong residents of Battle Creek and Richard was a 1943 graduate of St Philip Catholic Central High School. Richard began his college education at Western Michigan University before joining the United States Navy to serve our country in World War II and again during the Korean War. He completed his Electrical Engineering degree at Indiana Tech then began employment with the Consumers Power Company in 1949 where he retired after 41 years of employment in 1990. Richard was united in marriage to Mary Catherine Kelly at St Philip Catholic Church on November 7, 1953 and she preceded him in death on March 9, 2015. Richard is survived by his children: Owen R. Maher of Farmington Hills, Patrice M. Gausselin and Kevin P. Maher both from Battle Creek; son-in-law Gerard P. Gausselin; grandchildren, McKenzie, Owen Jr, Ryley, Brendan and Conor, a great granddaughter, Mary and a niece Mary C. Tierney. Richard was involved in the Battle Creek Engineers Club, the Battle Creek Management Club, the Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, and his church. Richard had an avid passion for sports playing baseball, basketball and golf during his life while coaching his sons, and was a well-known fan for his grandson's local school and travel teams, the Mid-Michigan Tigers, the Shamrocks and he, of course was a huge Detroit Tigers fan. Friends may call between 4pm - 6pm Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. A mass of Christian Burial with Military Honors will be celebrated at St. Philip Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2017, with Fr. Simon Chummar-Manjooran of the St. Philip Roman Catholic Church officiating. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery with Military Honors. Those who wish, may make memorial contributions to Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools or St Philip Athletic Boosters, 63 North 24th Street Battle Creek MI, 49015. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com