"Our heartfelt condolences to you all. Richard helped my nearly blind uncle Ceacle Hester with the paperwork of his business. Richard's years of friendship, patience,& kindness helped Ceacle immeasurably. He was a tremendous help to us & Ceacle's heirs in settling the estate a decade ago. This world has lost a truly good man. "
In loving memory of
Richard O. Croson
July 9, 2008
Richard Orb Croson, one of two children of Earl William Thomas Croson and Vera Evelyn (Swigart) Croson, was born on January 12, 1937 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He attended school in Council Bluffs where he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1955. That year he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as an Electrician's Mate aboard the U.S.S. Everglades in the Mediterranean Sea. Richard returned to Council Bluffs and began training as an apprentice steam fitter for the Local 464. After successfully completing his apprenticeship, his career as a steam fitter in the Omaha area spanned many years. Richard retired on February 1, 1996 and was a 46 year member of Union Local 464.
Richard and Alce Naomi Andreason were married on April 20, 1963 in College Springs, Iowa. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Richard Earl and James Michael. The family lived in Council Bluffs where they were faithful members of Emanuel Lutheran Church. Richard was an excellent gunsmith and was a co-owner of the Missouri Valley Arms Company. In 1976, they moved to the Wheeler Grove neighborhood southeast of Carson and in 1984, they moved to Macedonia. In 1987, Richard and Alce moved into Carson where Richard owned and operated the Old Trail Gun Shop. He was a charter member of the Council Bluffs Rifle and Pistol Club, past president of the Pottawattamie County Historical Society, and a Lifetime Member of the National Rifle Association. Richard was also an amateur radio enthusiast and past member of SWIARC. His FCC license was N0TPL.
Richard and Alce had been married for 45 years when Richard passed away at the Northcrest Care & Rehabilitation Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa on July 9, 2008. He had attained the age of 71 years, 5 months, and 27 days. Richard was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife Alce of Carson, IA; sons, Richard Croson and his wife Tammy and their four children, R.E.O., Allyson, Amber, and Courtney, all of Arlington, NE and James Croson and his wife Rhonda of Macedonia, IA; sister Nina Slater and her husband Forrest of Bloomington, MN; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
Memorials suggested to the family of Richard Croson.
In Loving Memory
Richard "Dick" Croson
January 12, 1937 - July 9, 2008
71 years - 5 months - 27 days
Visitation
Hertz Funeral Home
420 South Oak Street
Carson, Iowa
Friday, July 11, 2008
6:00 to 8:00 P.M.
Funeral Services
Emanuel Lutheran Church
2444 North Broadway St.
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Saturday, July 12, 2008
11:00 A.M.
Officiant
Rev. Dr. Judith T. Wozniak
Emanuel Lutheran Church, ELCA
Pallbearers
R.E.O. Croson
Forrest Slater, III
Jeff Tamanaha
Jay Watson, Jr.
Robert Dixon
Steve Dixon
Honorary Pallbearers
Council Bluffs Rifle and Pistol Club
Ron Vittitoe
Jeff Sagert
Larry Wilson
Richard Smith
Steve Purington
Music
Cindy Richards, Organist
Congregational Hymns
"Beneath The Cross of Jesus"
"Just A Closer Walk With Thee"
"Borning Cry"
"Amazing Grace"
"Now All The Vault of Heaven Resounds"
Military Honors & Interment
2:00 P.M.
American Legion Post No. 556
Carson Cemetery
Carson, Iowa
Taps
Jordan Tippery
Following the 11:00 A.M. funeral service, you are invited to remain at the church for lunch and a time of fellowship with the family.
Tributes
"Sending you sympathy and prayers to you Alce, and your family at this sad time. "
"Jim, Please accept my sincerest condolences in the loss of your father. John, N4OWG "
"James & family ... sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May God's peace be your portion, may His will and plans for the rest of the family be your prayer."