Richard P. Gaver

ADRIAN – Richard Park Gaver passed away peacefully on September 3, 2011, surrounded by his family. Richard was born in Eden Township – Upper Sandusky, Ohio on July 22, 1924. He was preceded in death by parents Mary and George Gaver, wife, Helen (1985), son Charles (1989), and sisters Kathryn Kyle and Mary Jane Powell. He is survived by two daughters, Pamela Somers and Jill (John) Johnson, both of Adrian. He has four grandsons, Bryan (Stephanie) Somers, Joel Somers, Benjamin and Kyle Johnson, 3 great grandchildren Sidney, Raegan and Keith which he enjoyed dearly along with family friends, Carole Flores, Sally Seel Simpkins and son-in-law Stephen Somers. Mr. Gaver served as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army – Infantry 44th Division in World War II – European Theater. While in battle he received 2 Purple Hearts with oak leaf cluster, a Bronze Star and a Presidential unit Citation. In 1948 he graduated from the College of Wooster and later did graduate work at Kent State University. Richard was a teacher/coach in the State of Ohio from 1949-1951. He and his wife then moved to Michigan where he taught American history at Adrian High School. He was an assistant varsity coach for football and basketball, and the head coach for baseball for Adrian High School. He also coached baseball for the American Legion Post #97 for several years. Mr. Gaver played minor league professional baseball for 2 ½ years and his love for the game and his players is something he carried with him his entire life. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, American Legion Post #97 for over 50 years, as well as the Disabled Amercian Veterans and Michigan Association of Retired Teachers. Funeral services for Mr. Gaver will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Wagley Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may visit the family on Wednesday, September 7, from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the American Legion Post #275 or the Adrian High School Baseball Team. You may also sign the register book or send condolences at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com Born a Buckeye, Lived a Buckeye, Died a Buckeye – GO BUCKS!

Richard P. Gaver

July 22, 1924 - September 3, 2011