Richard L. Straight

Richard Leroy Straight, the oldest of four children of Mary (Wittwer) Straight and Emmett Melvin Straight, was born near Henderson, Iowa on August 9, 1933. Richard attended elementary school in Henderson and high school in Emerson, Iowa. In 1952, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and served until December 14, 1955. He served in the Coast Guard Reserves until March of 1960.

Richard met and married Ann Morris of Georgia. They were blessed with their daughter, Debra Ann. They made their home in Jacksonville, Florida where Richard worked in a cardboard factory. The couple later divorced in 1963.

Richard returned home to Emerson where he operated a printing press, located in the former Stennant School gym, for the Thomas D. Murphy Company of Red Oak, Iowa. On October 5, 1965, he and Shirley Fleming of Emerson were united in marriage. They were blessed with three sons, James Bruce, Andrew Charles, and Melvin Daryl. Richard continued working for the Murphy Company until 1990. In 1999, he and Shirley divorced and Richard then moved to Apache Junction, Arizona where he eventually retired. In April of 2007, Richard returned to Iowa and made his home in Red Oak.

Richard was a member of the Emerson American Legion. Among his enjoyments were fishing, tending to his flower and vegetable gardens, playing card games and going to the casino.

Richard passed away at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak on October 25, 2008 at the age of 75 years, 2 months, and 16 days. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his children: Debra Lamb of Red Oak, IA; James Straight of Bentonville, AR; Andrew Straight and wife Mindy of Queen Creek, AZ; Melvin Straight and wife Jennifer of Castle Pines, CO; sisters Patricia Wortman and husband Merritt of Hastings, IA, Jean Ballain and husband Marlyn of Palmer, Alaska, and Mickey Taylor and husband Daniel of Broken Arrow, OK; 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.