Richard Bayer Kleinknecht

Richard Bayer Kleinknecht of Richmond died Wednesday, March 5, 2008, at Friends Fellowship Community. Born January 16, 1915, in Richmond to Clarence A. and Charlotte Bayer Kleinknecht, he attended Richmond schools, graduating from Morton High School in 1933. He attended Earlham College and George Washington University for his undergraduate work and the University of Virginia Law School, Charlottesville, Virginia, for his Law Degree in June of 1939. In July of 1939 he joined the law firm of Brown, Reller, and Mendenhall, practicing there until retirement in December 1996. He was appointed and served as County Attorney in 1943, resigning in 1944 to serve in the U.S. Navy in W.W. II for two years. He served aboard the U.S.S. Mattaponi in the Atlantic and Mediterranean in 1944 an 1945. In December of 1945 he returned to his law practice and also joined the board of directors of the First Federal Savings and Loan (now First Bank Richmond) later holding offices of Secretary, Vice President and Chairman of the Board. He was a lifelong member of the First English Lutheran Church serving as Building Committee Chairman for the 1960 building on East Main Street. In December of 1961 he became a member of the Board of Trustees of Morrisson-Reeves Library, serving for thirty-five years. During this period land was acquired and the present building was built. Mr. Kleinknecht had been a member of Richmond Kiwanis Club and served as president. He served on the board of the Richmond Committee of 100, the Economic Development Commission, United Fund, Red Cross, and American Cancer Society. Mr. Kleinknecht also was a member of the Wayne County Bar Association, the Indiana and American Bar Association, and an active member of the Alumni Association of the University of Virginia Law School. He is survived by his wife, Eugenia Mathew Kleinknecht; two daughters, Ann Shilts of Ottawa, Canada and Carol McCleary of Richmond; five grandchildren, Sarah Spray and her husband Michael of Seattle, Washington, Elizabeth Shilts of Ottawa, Canada, Eric Shilts and his wife Stephanie of Ottawa, Canada, Katherine Ross and her husband Don of Blue Springs, Missouri, Major Chris McCleary and his wife Jennifer of Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Carl W. Kleinknecht of Naples, Florida. A Memorial Service for Richard Bayer Kleinknecht will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2008, at First English Lutheran Church, 2727 National Road East, Richmond, Indiana with Pastors John R. Walker and Brian D. Derrer officiating. Arrangements announced by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond, Indiana 47374. Memorial contributions may be made to First English Lutheran Church, 2727 National Road East, Richmond, Indiana 47374; Morrisson-Reeves Library, 80 North 6th Street, Richmond, Indiana 47374; or Reid Hospital Foundation for the Hospice Program, 1401 Chester Boulevard, Richmond, Indiana 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com

Richard Bayer Kleinknecht

January 16, 1915 - March 5, 2008