Obituary of Richard Eugene DeMay

Richard Eugene DeMay was born in Monroe, Michigan on June 2, 1949.  He was the son of William Eulis DeMay and Helen Margaret (West) DeMay.  Rich was a 1967 graduate of Jefferson High School.  On March 25, 1969, he enlisted in the United States Army.  He was deployed to Vietnam for one year as a member of the Signal Corps, where he was exposed to Agent Orange.  Upon his return he was assigned to Fort Huachuca in Arizona.  He reached the rank of SP-5 and was discharged on December 20, 1971.  Proud of his service, Rich became a lifetime member of the Monroe VFW Post 1138.

While on leave from the military, Rich married the love of his life, the former, Marianne Cornett on May 31, 1969, at St. Paul United Methodist Church.  The couple were blessed with three children.  Rich was known to be the fair but firm disciplinarian of the house, even though he was lenient with the baby!  For forty-two years, Rich provided for his family with employment as a clerk on the railroad. He was employed by the same company although the name changed from, DT&I, Grand Trunk Western, and Canadian National prior to his retirement in 2009.  Following his retirement, it was stated that he liked to sit around and wait for Marianne to get off work so she could cook dinner.

Rich had a competitive spirit playing in softball leagues for more than thirty years.  His favorite places to play in included Frenchtown Kiwanis Park and the City of Monroe’s Munson complex.  He also liked to try his hand at the casino visiting Hollywood in Toledo whenever he could.

Rich enjoyed being at one with nature.  Many wonderful memories were made in Northern Michigan, hunting in Glennie and in the Irish Hills area.  He also enjoyed ice fishing.  He had a great sense of humor and was quite the jokester, always wanting to keep people laughing. 

Rich was generous, always willing to lend a hand, or help the elderly.  He also had an artistic side and showcased it with his ability to refurnish furniture.  Many visits were made with Marianne and the kids in tow to auctions to look for new furnishings to rejuvenate.  A communication specialist with his flip phone, Rich spent countless hours in front of his home computer perusing Facebook.  He often desired to share the reels he found, although they seemed to become unattainable much to his own chagrin when needed. 

Richard Eugene DeMay, age 74, of Monroe passed away at his home on Sunday; February 4, 2024.  His passing was preceded by his parents; a sister: Diana Marcum; and a granddaughter: Alexis Jade DeMay in 1998.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his beloved wife of fifty-four years: Marianne DeMay of Monroe; three children: Liz (Todd) Goins of Monroe, Andrew (Amy) DeMay of Monroe, and Justin (Tina) DeMay of LaSalle; many nieces and nephews, including: Jamey Dushane (Angie Adkins) of Ocklawaha, Florida whom he cared for as his own; six grandchildren: Lauren Goins (Corey Gorney), Madison DeMay (Michael Ballard), Megan Goins (Noah Kettinger), Tyler "T.J." DeMay, Jacob DeMay, and Logan DeMay; and a great grandson: Grayson Gorney.

Friends may gather from 4:00pm until 8:00pm on Wednesday; February 7, 2024 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070.  A Celebration of His Life will take place at Merkle’s at 11:00am on Thursday; February 8, 2024 with his nephew: Brad Cornett officiating.  Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle where graveside services will be under the auspices of Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Erie Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3925 or Monroe Post VFW 1138.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.