Richard Dale France, 73, died under the loving care of his wife and children on Saturday, September 10, 2016. Richard was born in Battle Creek, MI; son of Al and Virginia (Zimmerman) France, and was raised by his loving mother and generous stepfather, Bill Huff.

Richard was a 1961 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. He served six years in the U.S. Army, proudly doing tours with the 3rd Armored Tank Division in Germany, the 1st Special Forces Group in Okinawa, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam. He retired from Kellogg Company after 26 years, and later spent his retirement years between Arizona and Michigan. He ultimately resided in Chandler, AZ; with his loving wife, Anna.

In his 40's, Richard's passion was skydiving and he completed more than 500 skydive jumps. Richard has always been an avid poker player, and has a love for the movies. He cherished his family and friends and led his life honorably.

Richard is survived by his wife Anna Marie France of Chandler, AZ; his son, Douglas France of Chandler, AZ; his daughter, Traci Jo Dyksterhouse and husband Marc of Kalamazoo, MI; his sister, Shirley Huggett of Battle Creek, MI; his brother, Don Huff and wife Illa of East Leroy, MI; sister-in-law, Kimmy Huff of Odenton, MD; and 3 grandchildren: Dominique, Jake, and Aiden. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Virginia Huff, Al France, his brother, Col. Keith Huff, and his first wife, Susan (Gorham) Kellogg.

In lieu of flowers, Richard would like you to enjoy dinner and a movie in his memory.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Dale France, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.