Richard ‘Dick’ Alonzo Eley, 89, of New Madison, passed away at his residence to be with the Lord on July 29, 2010. Dick was born on October 16, 1920 at his homestead in New Madison to the late Alonzo and Nancy (Royer) Eley. Dick was a graduate of New Madison High School in 1938. He was employed by the US Postal Service as a rural mail carrier for Route 1 in New Madison for 28 years. Dick served his country honorably during 1942-1946 in the United States Navy as a Sea-Bee during WWII. He is a member of the Leroy Farst American Legion Post 245 for 63 years, Fort Black Masonic Lodge 415 for 54 years, Darke County Harness Horseman Association, and a lifetime member of United Methodist Church in New Madison. Dick also served as an Assistant Scout Master during 1960-1965 and a little league baseball coach between 1958-1964. He was an avid sports fan and loved watching the Cincinnati Reds and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Robert is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan Irene (Cashman) Eley, whom he married on July 13, 1948; two sons, Robert (Marian) Eley of New Madison, and Dr. Douglas (Jane) Eley of El Paso, Texas; four grandchildren, Brad (Triva) Eley, Scott Eley and special friend Jessica Moss, Jessica Eley and Erin Eley; and a sister, Norma (Jack) Whittaker.
In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by three brothers, Russell, Robert and Donald Eley, and five sisters, Marie Falkner, Edna Wiley, Erma Batty, Evelyn Bowers and Juanita Baker.
The family will receive guests at 1:00 PM on Sunday, August 1, 2010 at the New Madison United Methodist Church with a Masonic service beginning at 1:45. A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for 2:00 PM also at the church with the Rev. Steve Hayes being asked to officiate. Burial will be in Greenmound Cemetery with full military honors by the Darke County Honor Guard. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to New Madison Methodist Church.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.storchbraundfuneralhome.com. Services are entrusted to Braund Funeral Home in New Madison.