Richard “Buckeye” L. DeMay

Resided in Rapid River, MI
Died August 20, 2021

Richard “Buckeye” L. DeMay, age 68, of Rapid River, MI, passed away on Friday, August 20, 2021, at Lakeview Assisted Living in Gladstone surrounded by his family.

Buckeye was born on February 28, 1953, in Escanaba, the son of Peter and Willa (Lundmark) DeMay. Buckeye was a 1971 graduate of Gladstone High School. Buckeye worked for the formerly called Soo Line RailRoad to start his career. Buckeye finished his career working at Verso Corporation on the Switch Crew in the Rail Yard. On August 25, 1972, Richard was united in marriage to Gail (Johnson) McEachern and together they had three daughters, Bridget, Ginny, and Katie. On May 30, 2015, Buckeye and Becky were united in marriage and together they spent many years together.

Buckeye loved to hunt and was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting season with his friends and family each year. He loved hunting so much, he later in life turned his camp into his home. He was also a craftsman, and a jack of all trades. Buckeye also was involved with the Marquette Prison Ministry for many years. Buckeye always enjoyed a good game of cribbage with good company.

Buckeye is survived by his spouse Becky (Ettenhofer) DeMay, daughter Bridget (Scott) Larson and their children Gunnar, Ahna, Addie, Clay, daughter Ginny (Kevin Colavecchi) Menard and their children Maci, Kaden, Ava, Carter, Giovanni, and Joey, and daughter Katie (Matt) Smith and their children Sophia, Kellan, and Nora, step-daughter Katie (Nick VanWagner) LaCasse and their children Zachary and Marleigh, step-daughter Mykayla Workman and her children Bradley and Taylor, brothers Peter (Bonnie) DeMay, Dan (Joan) DeMay, Bill (Karen) DeMay, David (Tracey Meyers) DeMay, and Bob (Erin) DeMay, sisters Cathy (Harold) Flagstadt, Joy (Greg) LaFave, Nancy (Mike) Boyer, Mary (Paul) DeBenedittis, and Theresa (Don) Kuehl. Buckeye is survived by sister-in-law Jena (Ron) Young, brother-in-law Tim (Donna) Ettenhofer, and sister-in-law Valerie Flaherty.

Buckeye is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as great nieces and nephews.

Buckeye is preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Willa, parents-in-law Edwin and Shirley Ettenhofer, sister-in-law Lisa DeMay, and brother-in-law Gregg Johnson.

Buckeye’s family would like to extend a thank-you to Lakeview Assisted Living, U.P. Health Systems Hospice, and special caregivers Deanna and Barb who all took such great care of him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Buckeye’s name may be directed to the Dementia and Alzheimer’s Association.

Buckeye’s family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at First Lutheran Church in Gladstone from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Funeral services honoring Buckeye will follow at 5:00 PM with Pastors Tommy Richter and Paul Culbertson officiating. Buckeye will be laid to rest in Fernwood Cemetery.

19 Tributes for “Richard “Buckeye” L. DeMay”

    I am so sorry to hear of Buckeyes passing. He was such a great guy and always had a smile on his face. I always enjoyed talking to him when he was listening to the Jam Band playing somewhere or playing the tamborine with his brothers. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

    Most sincere sympathy to the DeMay families. Buckeye was one of the most friendly guys in our class. Have many fond memories of him. He was just a great guy. Love and prayers to his family at this very sad time.

    My condolences to the entire Demay family and his extended family. Buckeye was a kind christian soul. May he rest in the peace and love of God❤️

    That he was , one of the most friendly and kind.. so sorry for your loss , he will be missed.
    Sending lots of hugs and prayers to all in this time.

    I’m so sorry to hear of your brother’s passing…it’s so hard when a disease like Alzheimer’s take someone that young…he’s at peace and in God’s arms…sending love and prayers to you all…

    So sorry to hear of buckeye’s passing. He was a really friendly guy and always lots of fun. Prayers to the whole family!

    We’ll miss “Buckeye.” His smile, love and Christian spirit brightened our lives.
    He was one of the first wrestlers forming the 1968 GHS team. We all learned the sport together.
    He left a fine model for all his large and wonderful family.

    To The Wonderful DeMay Family,
    It’s with deep sadness that we send this note. “Buckeye” was such a good guy. His passing is an enormous loss for everyone who loved him. He will always be remembered with great fondness. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this very sad time.
    With Deepest Sympathy,
    Nancy and Tim LeGault

    So Sorry to the DeMay family. We have missed Buckeye & Becky at Grace Church where they were both attending for a while.
    Very friendly guy with that smile he always had. He will be sadly missed by a lot of people that knew him. The family is in our thoughts & prayers.
    Jerry & Rita Erickson

    So sorry for your loss of such a wonderful guy. Will
    Always remember his great smile and friendliness. Peace and strength to all and know he is in the arms of His savior. Bless his heart.

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