Richard D. Coulter

Richard D. Coulter, 83 of Orion died September 15, 2005 at his home, following a long courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 19, 2005 at Orion United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Sunday from 3-7 p.m. at Kirk, Huggins & Esterdahl Funeral Home, Ltd, Orion. Burial will be at Western Township Cemetery, Orion. Military rites will be conducted by Orion American Legion Post 255. Memorials may be made to Orion United Methodist Church. Dick was born June 4, 1922 in rural Orion to Clyde M. and Desyl E. Gorey Coulter. He married his high school sweetheart C. Alice Van Sickle on November 18, 1944 at the Orion United Methodist Church. Dick was a gifted athlete in all sports that he participated in during his years at Orion High School. He was named All-State and All-American in football. He was twice inducted into the OHS Hall of Fame, as part of the undefeated 1939 six-man football team (2003) and for outstanding individual achievements in Orion athletics (2004). Dick went into the Army in 1942 where he served in both the European and Pacific Theaters in WWII. He received the Bronze Star for his service in the European Theater and a Letter of Appreciation from the French Government. After he was discharged from the military, he served as Henry County Sheriff's Chief Deputy for 4 years and ran as the Republican Candidate for Sheriff in 1950. He and Alice later returned to farming in rural Orion. He was a gifted carpenter and served as Western Township Road Commissioner for 8 years. After he retired from farming, he and Alice moved to Branson to work with their dear friends at Compton Ridge Camp Grounds for many enjoyable years before returning to Orion. He was well known for his gardening expertise and his beautiful flowers. Dick was a lifelong member of the Orion United Methodist Church. He was former member of both the Western Sportsman Club and Orion VFW Post 143. He was a current member of Orion American Legion Post #255 where he had been a member for over 60 years. Dick was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was active in his children and grandchildren's lives. He will be greatly missed by all his family, friends and his community. SURVIVORS Wife Alice Coulter Orion Daughters Carol Becka Moline Joyce & Robert Schoemaker Moline Nancy & Larry Wigant Orion Son Donald J. Coulter Orion 9 Grandchildren Jeremy & Dr. J. Schoemaker Lincoln, NE Andrea Schoemaker Moline Chris Anderson Muscatine, IA Heath Anderson Andalusia Donald R. Coulter Moline Nicholas Coulter Orion Seth Coulter Orion Robert Wigant Orion Richard Wigant Orion Great Grandchild Gwenyth Coulter Moline Sisters Jean Smith Orion Mary Lou Dopler Moline Brother Robert & Mary Jane Coulter Orion 3 nieces 8 nephews and extended family He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brother-in-laws. Online condolences may be expressed to Dick's family by visiting his obituary at www.esterdahlmortuary.com