Richard Wiley

Richard Wiley knew what was important in life - family, friends and Bob Evans Farms Restaurant. His years of dedication and hard work afforded him both a happy place in life, and family and friends who loved him dearly.

The year was 1921, and America was still celebrating its momentous victory in World War I, and beginning to rev up for the Roaring Twenties. Richard Wendell Wiley was born on February 9, 1921, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. After graduating from high school, Richard went on to attend Penn State University for a few years before heading off to bravely serve his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. After returning home from the war, Richard began working in the railroad industry at several different railroad companies.

In the early 1950s, Richard married the love of his life, Martha, and she had a daughter, Georgia. In 1995, he lost his beloved wife, Martha, and shortly thereafter moved to Holland, MI. to be closer to his daughter.

The one place that Richard could be found 7 days a week, 365 days a year (other than his home), was at the local Bob Evans Farms Restaurant. It was like his second home and the waiting staff was like his second family. For many, many years, Richard came in every morning for breakfast and ordered the same exact meal each time - scrambled eggs, bacon, white toast and coffee. He even had his own raspberry preserve that the waitresses kept in the refrigerator for him, because they knew he would be back. There were even days when Richard ate all three meals at Bob's. He was well known and liked among the staff. In fact, when he went to stay at The Hospice House, the waitresses visited him regularly and brought him breakfast too.

Richard Wendell Wiley, age 86, of Holland, MI, died on Tuesday, April 3, 2007, at Hospice House of Holland. He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Martha Wiley, in 1995. His family includes his daughter, Georgia and David Bulthouse of Holland, MI; two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 6, at The Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home with the Rev. Craig Sietsema officiating. Burial will be in Pennsylvania. Visiting will be an hour before the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of Holland. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory of Richard or sign his online guest book.