Richard D. Berger

Richard D. Berger, age 72, of Pomona, Kansas, died Sunday, February 26, 2012. He was born on Friday, September 29, 1939, in Richmond, Kansas, the son of Vernon J. and Esther P. (Gray) Berger. He was a lifelong Franklin County, Kansas resident. Richard attended Richmond High School and earned his G.E.D. while serving in the military. Richard served in the United States Marine Corps twenty years from 1956 to June 30, 1976. He was a senior drill instructor, serving three tours in Vietnam. He received numerous badges, medals and commendations including Rifle Expert Badge/5th Award; Pistol Expert Badge/2nd Award; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal W/4 Stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal W/Device; Good Conduct Medal W/5 Stars; Combat Action Ribbon; Meritorious Unit Citation; Presidential Unit Citation; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry/Silver; Letter of Appreciation/721012; and Meritorious Mast/721012. Following his retirement from active duty, he transferred to the Fleet Marine Corps Reserves. He then worked for Ottawa Truck in assembly; Sunflower Ammunition Plant as a guard; and Skyhook Corporation in truck assembly. He served as a city council member for Pomona. On Thursday, March 20, 1980, Richard was united in marriage with Wanda (Stoneking) Barclay in Pomona, Kansas. She survives of their home. He is survived by his: Wife – Wanda Berger of the home Son – Joseph T. Berger of Pomona, Kansas Daughter – Pam Baxley and her husband, Neil, of Beauford, South Carolina Daughter – Cheryl McClellan of Columbia, South Carolina Daughter – Wanda S. Martin and her husband, Chuck, of Beauford, South Carolina Daughter – Mary Berger of Walterboro, South Carolina Daughter – Deanna Sitlington and her husband, Jon, of Pomona, Kansas Daughter – Kris Adell of Pomona, Kansas Daughter – Kim Leach of Port Angeles, Washington Daughter – Kandi Nichols and her husband, Nick, of Pomona, Kansas Daughter – Kelly Warren and her husband, Philip, of Ottawa, Kansas Daughter – Karolyn Barclay of Ottawa, Kansas Sister – Gloria Vallier of Florida passed away the day after her brother on Monday, February 27, 2012 Sister – Catherine Hall of California Sister – Julia Reynolds and her husband, Layne, of Indiana Brother – David Berger and his wife, Joan, of West Virginia Grandchildren – Eighteen Gt.Grandchildren – Twelve He is preceded in death by his: Parents – Vernon J. and Esther P. Berger Brother – J. R. Berger Brother – Donn Berger Brother – Delbert Berger Sister – Jeannette Consor Grandson – Ryan Martin SERVICES: Memorial Services will be held at Ottawa Community Church, 824 W. 17th, at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 1, 2012. IN STATE: Mr. Berger’s wishes were for cremation. Family will meet with friends from 7:00 to 8:00 Wednesday evening at Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa. CEMETERY: Private inurnment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Pomona at a later date. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Richard Berger Memorial Fund or American Heart Association, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net.