Richard Howard Converse, age 87, of Bowling Green passed away Sunday, July 1, 2018. He was born to Jacob and Dora (Campbell) Converse on a farm near Portage, Ohio. Richard was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Wilma Ellen Converse, his parents and brothers Donald and Robert.
Richard graduated from Liberty Hi School in 1948. After high school, Richard owned and operated Maumee School of Music, teaching steel and plectrum guitar. Richard met the love of his life and future wife, Wilma Budd, while playing guitar at the Lucas County Fair.
Richard was a member of the Ohio National Guard and was activated into the army in 1952 and served a year in Korea driving truck and hauling troops and ammunition to the front lines. He was awarded the Korean service medal with 3 bronze battle stars, the United Nations Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. In 1990 on a revisit program, sponsored by the Korean government, he was awarded the Peace Medal and given a watch from the president of South Korea, Kim Daejung.
Richard was a life member and past commander of the American Legion Post 45 in B.G., and a life member of the Korean War Veteran’s Association and KWVA Chapter 131 of Toledo. He was also a member of the B.G. VFW 1148, and 2nd Inf. Division Association. He enjoyed marching in B.G.’s Memorial Day Parades, marching after he was 80 years old and carrying an M1 rifle that was used in Korea during the war. He was honored to help fold and present the American Flag at many veterans’ funerals.
After returning from the Korean War, Richard attended Toledo Barber College and worked as a barber for 55 years, mostly in Bowling Green, Ohio.
On September 11, 1954, he married Wilma E. Budd in Perrysburg at the First United Methodist Church. Surviving are 2 sons, Darrell, (Ohio) and Dean, (Pennsylvania) and 2 daughters, Diana and Darla (Kitty), (Florida), 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Richard and Wilma were wedding photographers for over 40 years. Richard was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Memorials can be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Richard’s family would like to extend a huge thank you to Hospice, The Manor of Perrysburg, and Waterford at Levis Commons for being by his side the past several years. We are truly grateful for the tender care he was given.
A private grave side service will be held for the family.
Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home & Crematory, is honored to serve Richard’s family and those wishing to send a condolence or a fond memory please visit www.hannemanfh.com.
