Mr. Richard L. Gilliland, 83, of Rochester, passed away June 10 , 2018 at his residence.

On July 3 , 1934, Richard Lee "Dick" Gilliland was born in Rochester to Geiger "Jig"  and Lauretta B. Porter Gilliland.  He was a proud member of the Rochester High School class of 1952.  When patriotism beckoned, Dick answered the call serving as a Seabee with the United States Navy.

In Rochester,  Dick married the love of his life, Beatrice "Bea" Damron on December 18 , 1955. Together they shared nearly 60 years of life's adventures. From their union came two sons, Jerry and Marvin. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

With a strong work ethic, Dick worked as a heavy equipment operator.  He was a life member of the Midwest Operating Engineers # 150.

Bea and Dick enjoyed camping out at the Winamac State Park.  Branson, Missouri and Holiday World were of two other favorite destinations.  They also enjoyed planting a large garden and sharing the harvest.  He enjoyed watching classic TV especially Gunsmoke and M.A.S.H.

Dick didn't know a stranger and was always  ready and willing to help out.  He could be seen around the neighborhood cruising on the Kabota plowing drives or moving dirt for his neighbors.  Dick enjoy taking a drive around Bruce Lake or Nyona Lake.  He loved observing wildlife in their natural habitat while parked at the dam on Lake Manitou or sitting in his side yard watching the deer and wild turkeys.

Survivors include a son, Marvin Gilliland and wife Julie of Yorktown; two granddaughters: Melissa McNall and husband Justin and their children Ethan Halas, Olivia Kay and Brayden Lee McNall of Fishers; Kristen DeLoddere and husband Josh and their children Alison Marie, Brody and Cameron Lee  DeLoddere of Zionsville; two grandsons: Neon Beecroft, Harley Beecroft and great-granddaughter Aubree Beecroft;  best friends Betty and Stan Ellison of Tell City, and the Brian and Deanna VandenBossche family of Rochester;  his many wonderful friends and neighbors from the lake; and his treasured canine companions, Marley and Sadie; and Cat-Kat, his orange tabby.

Preceding Richard in death are his parents, Jig and Lauretta Gilliland;  beloved wife Bea on November 27 , 2015; and a son, Jerry Lynn Gilliland.

A celebration of the life of Richard L. Gilliland will be at 1:00 PM on Thursday, June 14 , 2018 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18 ^th St., Rochester.  Chaplain Jason See will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 11-1 on Thursday in the funeral home. Military rites will be conducted by the Fulton County Veteran's Honor Guard and the US Navy Honor Team.  Memorials may be made to Fulton County Animal Adoption Center, 1540 North Wentzel St., Rochester, IN 46975.