Richard Paul Loveless

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”|
Philippians 4:13

      Richard “Rick, Rich” Paul Loveless, age 61, passed away Sunday, April 7, 2024.
      He graduated from Spring Arbor University with his bachelor’s degree in business. Rich loved to point out to his children that he graduated with his Summa Cum Laude. He was born in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. September 4, 1962. 
      He was preceded in death by his father Robert Loveless, brother Bobby Loveless, brother-in-law Marc Feinauer, Niece Tennille Camp, son Samuel Loveless, and father in law Raymond Lange. Survived by his wife of almost 40 years Sharryl Loveless, son Stephen (Anna) Loveless, their children: Autumn, Coral, Harley, and Thorin; daughters: Sammantha Loveless, Sarra (Josh) Loveless, and Sally Loveless; mother Joy (Tom) Garrelts; brother Michael (Stephanie) Vandyke; sisters: Renia McMannas, Michelle (Dan) Colby, and mother in law Dianna Lange.
      Rich and Sharry got married on September 29, 1984, at the Assembly of God church in Albion. The pastor told them they would be married “until the dreadful day of judgment!” which was before they became Christians, so it was quite startling. They became saved when Sharry was pregnant with Stephen.
      Rich had his own trucking company based in Jackson called Loveless Trucking and he recruited with his friend Pat Cornwell for over 10 years. He worked with Leland Prebble in construction who helped him through rough patches in his life and always reminded him to just “load the truck”. His last employer was Square One based in Lansing. Rich was involved in Keryx prison ministry and had recently started playing bass with his son at a recovery church. His faith was very important to him, and he always reminded his family how God had given him a second chance at life when he was younger. Rich instilled a strong love and passion for music in his family that bloomed into many joining worship teams, bands, and even a niece going on to study music in Tennessee. He loved going on new adventures. Rich would wake everyone at four in the morning and say, “Road trip! Pack a bag!” and the family would take off to do something exciting. He always reminded his children to work hard and play hard. He also told them to never trust a fart, especially as he got older. Rich would yell “get some!” while watching Football. He was known for being a “jack of all trades” and could fix about anything. He loved to “tinker” out in his barn, listening to old country music except when he was with his kids then he listened to classic rock. He had two rules in the house: rule 1 don’t kill dad, rule 2 don’t rat on dad; except they weren’t allowed to lie to mom. Some of his favorite things to do were to play music with his family at thebluegrass festivals in Indiana, to fish and yell “fish on!”, and to ride his motorcycle. Every year he had a motorcycle boys’ trip with his son Stephen and his little brother Michael and rode the Dragons Tail through Tennessee and North Carolina. They had many adventures through the mountains.
      His brother-in-law Kenny Lowe was like a brother to him; they were always getting into mischief! They loved their Zebra cakes and Diet Pepsi and told all the kids it was life’s cure. He loved playing pranks with his best friend who is an MSU fan Jeff (Traci) Zampaloni. Rich would plant U of M knickknacks around their house. They also returned the favor and hid a Sparty elf on the headboard of his and Sharry’s bed which took them three days to find. It all started when they met at Yogi Bear Park in Grayling when the Zamps put a blow-up Sparty at Rich and Sharry’s campsite.
      Though he was hotheaded, a perfectionist, and stubborn, he loved his family with all his heart and would drop anything to go help. As he said, “family always sticks together.” Rich always said he never wanted life to be boring and when it was his time to go, he wanted to go out with a bang. On the same day of his passing, Rich’s “favorite” father-in-law passed only a couple hours after Rich at the Nursing home in Marshall. Rich passed in a sudden motorcycle crash. He helped his “favorite” father-in-law up to heaven because Rich always loved to help people—no matter who they were.
      His life will be celebrated on July 28, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Rich and Sharry’s home in DeWitt, Michigan.
      One last message from Richard, “Always be weird and wonderful.” Not a goodbye, but a see you later
      ~Sammantha R. Loveless

To lose what you love is heartbreaking,
but to gain what you lost is breathtaking.
Because God blessed the heavens with his laughter,
and the shadow of his bike will ride golden roads.
All his loved ones are up there, except the ones
he will see soon. Life isn’t forever,
it trudges and hurts, but God
gave us love and heaven
so we can be reunited.
We love you, dad, husband, Grandpa Ocean,
keep our beds warm and garden blooming;
it won’t be long until our Father calls us home too. 
Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.