Richard L. French, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away at his home on March 10, 2023 at age 89. He was born the son of Harry T. and Helen M. French on October 25, 1933 in Dexter, Michigan, the youngest of 10 children, two brothers and seven sisters.
Richard married Vivian Matthews on April 27, 1956, and she preceded him in death in March 2019. Richard served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as a communications specialist. He worked at University of Michigan Aerospace Engineering during the era of the Apollo 15 mission, and his leisure time was spent enjoying the outdoors and traveling with his family to Wakomata Lake in remote Ontario, Canada to fish trout and watch wildlife. He loved his family, his eclectic collection of cheerfully energetic Papillon rescue dogs over the years, and he cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his son, James (Cindy Ellis) French of Chelsea; grandchildren, Stefanie Brenner and Christopher French; great-grandchildren, Hailey and Carter Brenner. In addition to his wife, Vivian, his parents, and all siblings, he was also preceded in death by his son, Jeff French, and grandson, Ryan French.
A visitation will take place at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, March 16, 2023 from 6-8 p.m.
A graveside service will take place on Friday, March 17, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. from Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley.
