Richard A. Halsey, 87, of Dunnellon, FL died Feb. 28, 2011 while in hospice care at St. Johns Mercy Skilled Nursing Center.  A Florida resident for the past 22 years, Dick, with his wife Margaret, chose to come to St. Louis and spend his last days with his family here. 

He was born Dec. 5, 1923 in Fairmont, NE to the late Robert and Katherine Halsey.  Dick graduated from nearby Geneva H.S. in 1941.  During WWII, he enlisted in the Navy and served in the Pacific. Dick was most proud of his service on an LST (Landing Ship, Tank) – a naval vessel that supported amphibious operations by carrying tanks and other vehicles, cargo, and landing troops directly onto a beach.

After the war, Dick studied electrical engineering in Chicago. He then instructed at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, and worked for American Television designing and building TVs. It was during this time in Chicago that, in 1947, he married Margaret. In 1955, they moved to Indiana where they raised their family. Dick continued his career as a supervisor and plant manager at electronic manufacturing companies in Huntington, IN.  Soon after retirement, Dick and Margaret moved to Florida.
 
Among many interests throughout his life, Dick was especially involved with the B.P.O.E. (Elks) fraternal organization, being a Past Exalted Ruler of the Huntington, IN lodge, as well as participation over the years at state and national levels.  He is also a life member of the V.F.W.  
                                
Dick is survived by his wife of 64 years, Margaret (Schaefer); a sister Roberta (Ron) Danek of Peoria, AZ; his children Richard (Mary Wochner) Halsey of St. Louis and Katherine (Steve) Vrazalich of Richmond, IN; grandchildren Erin (Brian) Christopher and Matthew (Meghan) Halsey of St. Louis, and Michael and Sarah Vrazalich of Richmond, IN; and great-grandchildren Mackenzie, Allyson, and Carson Christopher, and Mya Halsey.  He was preceded in death by sisters Roma Muller and Shirley Ray, brother Calbert Halsey, and granddaughter Megan Halsey.
 
Services: Memorial service and interment private. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.