Richard W. Longsworth

Richard (Dick) Wayne Longsworth, age 77, passed away Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Brookdale Senior Living, with his daughters at his side. Richard was born January 29, 1949 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. Delivered at home by his grandmother, he was the son of James and Jaunita (Loveday) Longsworth, and one of 9 children. As a teenager Richard moved ‘up north’ near Detroit. Coming from the south with a thick southern accent, he found the transition difficult. He’d often say he felt as if he were on a different planet. He moved back and forth a bit, staying with relatives before settling in Michigan. He proudly served his country in the US Army as a Recon specialist during the Vietnam War. A decorated combat veteran, his medals, badges, commendations, citations and campaign ribbons include National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 1960, Combat Infantryman Badge (1st Award), 2 O/S Bars, Expert Marksman (M-14 & M-60), and Marksman (45 Pistol). Upon his return from Vietnam in November of 1968, Richard married Faye Clark. Together they raised 4 daughters; Lisa, Anita, Amanda and Kimberly. Richard was incredibly proud of his education. He earned an Associate’s Degree from Monroe County Community College, a Bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University, and had begun a Master’s Program in African-American Studies at Wayne State University. He worked for General Motors Hydromatic Plant in Toledo, starting out on the assembly line and working his way up to become the Union Health and Safety Representative. He retired in 1999. Dick loved volunteering for various charities and ministries throughout the years. He worked with the Feed the Children organization setting up and collecting donation boxes at local businesses. Charities close to his heart include St. Jude, Operation Smile, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and Shriners Hospitals for Children. Richard would always, always help a person in need. He was an endless advocate for social justice and equality. He will be remembered for his servant’s heart and his belief in fairness, equality and the dignity of every person. He enjoyed working in his yard and may be remembered by many for the garden at the big white farmhouse on Dunbar Rd. in the 70’s and early 80’s. If you ran out of gas, or had car trouble on that stretch of road, chances are he was the guy that helped you out. He kept a full gas can in his shed for that reason, and when anyone would try to pay him he’d say, “keep your money, just help the next guy when it’s your turn”. That time in his life held many memories of family gatherings and summer pool parties. He loved music and had an eclectic playlist… George Jones, Harry Chapin, Willie Nelson and James Taylor were a few of his favorites. He enjoyed concerts, live music, putt-putt golf and endless Dateline episodes. He is survived by his four daughters, Lisa (Thomas) Graham of Newport, Anita (Jason) Ross of Almont, Amanda (Gary) Collins of Monroe and Kimberly (Malcolm Bibins) Longsworth of Ann Arbor; five siblings, Diane Sizemore, Steve (Vanessa) Longsworth, Dan (Fran) Longsworth, Ricky Longsworth and Teresa (Ken) Whiteaker; thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, a granddaughter, MacKenzie Paige Simmons; two brothers, Edward (James Edward) and Ted Longsworth and sister, Sandra Taylor. Visitation will be held Thursday March 5, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe. Military honors lead by VFW Post 1138 will begin at 4 p.m. followed by a celebration of life. Burial will take place Friday at Restlawn Memorial Park, Perrysburg, Ohio. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or any Veteran’s organization. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.

Richard W. Longsworth

January 29, 1949 - February 28, 2026