Richard J. Bachman

METAMORA - Richard J. Bachman, 95, of Metamora, formerly of Lowpoint, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, at Snyder Village, after a brief illness. He was born on Sept. 23, 1918, in Lowpoint, Ill., the son of John J. and Mary Bachman Bachman. He married Verna A. Reeb on Sept. 14, 1941. She passed away on July 9, 1996. One brother, Allen Bachman; one sister, Eileen Schertz; and one daughter-in-law, Vivian Bachman, also preceded him in death. Surviving are one son, James of Lowpoint; three daughters, Elaine (Carl) Newcomer of West Liberty, Ohio, Judi (Duane) Carter of Waynesville, N.C., and Carol (Timothy) Detweiler of Washington, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and two stepgreat-granddaughters. Further surviving are two brothers, John Bachman Jr. of Lowpoint and Paul Bachman of Metamora; one stepbrother, Russell Bachman; three stepsisters, Minerva Reeb and Orpha Schertz, both of Metamora, and Ruth Gross of East Peoria; and one former daughter-in-law, Glenda Bachman of Metamora; along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Richard was a lifelong farmer in Lowpoint and was the owner and operator of Bachman's welding and Bachman's corn shelling. He was a member of the Woodford County Farm Bureau and Metamora Mennonite Church, where he taught Sunday School for many years, as well as the extension Sunday Schools at Richland and Cazenovia. Richard was also active with Gideons International. He obtained his private pilot certificate in the 1940s and enjoyed flying, traveling, playing games and working on the farm, but especially enjoyed time with his family, who will miss him dearly. Private burial with the family will be in Stewart Harmony Cemetery in rural Metamora. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, at Metamora Mennonite Church, with the Rev. Mike Danner officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Metamora Mennonite Outreach Ministries, Snyder Village or Gideons International. Mason Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.