Richard G. Priest Obituary
A memorial mass will be said on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2036 20th St., Allegan. Friends may greet the family following the service. Dick will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Allegan. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Kairos Dwelling and Talons Out Honor Flight, in c/o the funeral home.
Age 84 of Kalamazoo passed away on Wednesday morning, January 15, 2025, after a short battle with cancer. Dick loved his family and was accepting of all. He was a proud Navy veteran-serving 21 years in the U.S. Navy. He continued to show his support for the military by volunteering at the VA Hospital and serving as a member of the Fleet Reserve Association (40 years), as well as The American Legion. Dick was honored in 2021, when he took his Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
Dick wore many hats after retiring from the Navy. He worked in healthcare, hospital administration, worked as a bar tender, school bus driver and truck driver. His greatest hat was being a dad and papa.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Brian Priest; and infant great-grandson, Elijah Priest; and brothers, Ronald Priest and Kenneth Knuth; sister-in-law, Ginjah Knuth.
Survived by his wife Nancy (Earl) Priest; his children, Brice Priest of Kalamazoo, Jane (Ted) LaFountain of Otsego, Jody (Brian) Wertz of Kalamazoo and Bear Priest of Richland; ten grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; siblings, Melody (Ron) Gordon, Nancy (Roger) Hilaski and Daniel Knuth; sisters in law, Mary Knuth and Margaret Priest; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends.
