1
tree
planted in memory of Richard T. Brettin SR.
Obituary for Richard T. Brettin SR.
Richard “Dick” T. Brettin SR., age 87 of Knox, passed away Monday, May 9, 2022. Richard was born on August 16, 1934, in Bellwood, Illinois to Edward and Nora McBride Brettin. In 1959, he married the love of his life Betty Plante. Richard is survived by his son Robert Brettin (Gina) of Locust Grove, GA, the late Richard Brettin Jr. (Lisa) of Plymouth, brothers Tim Brettin (Peg) and Matthew Brettin (Maria). He’s preceded in death by his parents Edward and Nora Brettin, his wife Betty Plante Brettin, brothers, Edward Brettin, Francis “Bill” Brettin, James Brettin, John Brettin, sister Margaret “Marge” Schuster and one grandson.
On January 20, 1940, the entire family, Richard, his four older brothers, and 2-year-old sister Margie moved from Melrose Park, Illinois to an 80-acre sand farm in Washington Township. He began first grade at St. Paul Lutheran School in Melrose Park and finished first grade at Washington Township, Ober School and continued through eighth grade then to high school in Knox.
In 1952 he dropped out of school to work on the farm. From there he went to work at Allis Chamber MFG LaPorte, Indiana as a tractor driver. In 1956 he entered the US Army as a mechanic in the Combat engineers’ group.
Richard wore many hats, he was an active member of the VFW Post #748 in Knox, Indiana, former member of the Bass Lake Lions Club, passed member of Washington Township Fire Department, and a Garbage Driver for Waste Management.
Visitation will be Sunday, May 15, 2022, from 3pm to 7pm (CT), with Funeral services immediately following the next day, Monday, May 16, 2022, 11:00am (CT) at M.C. Smith Funeral Home in Knox. Burial will follow at Bass Lake Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to be made via donor’s choice.
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On January 20, 1940, the entire family, Richard, his four older brothers, and 2-year-old sister Margie moved from Melrose Park, Illinois to an 80-acre sand farm in Washington Township. He began first grade at St. Paul Lutheran School in Melrose Park and finished first grade at Washington Township, Ober School and continued through eighth grade then to high school in Knox.
In 1952 he dropped out of school to work on the farm. From there he went to work at Allis Chamber MFG LaPorte, Indiana as a tractor driver. In 1956 he entered the US Army as a mechanic in the Combat engineers’ group.
Richard wore many hats, he was an active member of the VFW Post #748 in Knox, Indiana, former member of the Bass Lake Lions Club, passed member of Washington Township Fire Department, and a Garbage Driver for Waste Management.
Visitation will be Sunday, May 15, 2022, from 3pm to 7pm (CT), with Funeral services immediately following the next day, Monday, May 16, 2022, 11:00am (CT) at M.C. Smith Funeral Home in Knox. Burial will follow at Bass Lake Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to be made via donor’s choice.
To plant a tree in memory of Richard T. Brettin SR., visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Sunday
15
May
3:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
MC Smith Funeral Home
153 E. Washington St
Knox, IN 46534
Service
Monday
16
May
11:00 AM
- 12:00 PM
MC Smith Funeral Home
153 E. Washington St
Knox, IN 46534
Cemetery Details
Location
Bass Lake Lutheran Cemetery
3245 S. 700 E.
Knox, IN 46534
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