Richard L. Ekin

Richard L. Ekin of Jackson, Michigan passed peacefully Thursday, May 7, 2020, at Henry Ford Allegiance Hospital. Richard was born September 13, 1927 in Ypsilanti. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna of 63 years; daughters, Cheryl (Nelson) Craft and Cynthia (Patrick) Frederick; son, Robert (Kathleen) Ekin; grandchildren Eric (Jennifer) Craft, Gabriel (Rebekah) Craft, Kevin (Marie Watters) Craft, Troy (Sivan Shamam) Craft, Steven (Wendy) Holmes, Sara (Malon Backinger) Holmes, Bradley (Linnea) Ekin, and Trevor Ekin. Also left behind are six great grandchildren, Annabella and Isaac Craft, Layla, Daxton, Mallie and Harper Backinger. Preceding Richard are his mother, Jean Ekin; father, Harold Ekin; brothers, Robert Ekin, John Ekin and Lorin Ekin; and sister, Marilyn Corbin. Richard proudly served our country in the United States Air Force from 1946-1948. He retired from Industrial Steel Treating in 1992 after 42 years of service. After retiring, he worked part-time for his son's business, Microtech Machine Company, for another 18 years. He loved photography, traveling and camping, creating masterpieces in his woodshop, watching hockey,entertaining the family with his harmonica and witty jokes, reading and watching old western books and films, solving crossword puzzles, family gatherings at the campground, and Donna's cooking. But what lit up his world the most were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, and the type of father and grandfather that showed unconditional love for all and will be forever missed. Richard was a member of Brookside United Methodist Church in Jackson. Due to COVID-19, a celebration of life will be scheduled at a date and time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Jackson County American Legion Ritual Team (Honor Guard) in care of Richard Smith American Legion Post #29, 3200 Lansing Avenue, Jackson, MI 49202. Please visit Arthur-Day Funeral Home at www.arthur-day.com to sign the Tribute Wall page of the Richard Ekin obituary guestbook and/or share memories, leave heart felt wishes and condolences to all that loved and cherished him.

Richard L. Ekin

September 13, 1927 - May 7, 2020