Richard Joe Fairchild, age 83, passed away Friday, August 14, 2026, peacefully in his “home away from home,” in the care of his family. Although he passed in Muskegon, Hesperia was his home.

Richard was born on April 22, 1943, in Hesperia, where he was raised by his loving parents, Charles and Mabel (Kirwin) Fairchild. He and his siblings grew up on the family farm where he and his wife of 62 years, Connie (Mansfield) Fairchild, would one day choose to raise their own family. After graduating from Hesperia High School in 1961, Rick did odd jobs while also earning his degree at Ferris State College. It wasn’t long before they married, and he found a journeyman position at Paragon Pattern in Muskegon, where Richard continued to hone his skills. During his early days in the trade, he moved around as needed, lending his talents to a few different shops, even at one point starting a joint business venture of his own. He would eventually rejoin Paragon Pattern, where he finished out a long and fulfilling career. After 30 years of service, he retired with great satisfaction and a career for which he could be proud.

In retirement, Richard found pleasure in taking a few trips abroad but was happiest exploring the countryside of his youth and growing a bountiful garden. He always made time for his family, neighbors and friends and he loved to share cherished memories of the past.

Richard is survived by his wife, Connie; their children, Michael (Cathlyn) Fairchild, Michelle Lattin, Eric (JoAnne) Fairchild, and Jennifer (Gregory) Crawley; his sisters, Carol Shatney and Vivian Rellinger; his brother, Thomas Fairchild; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ron and Arlene Mansfield. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Carri (Josh) Bowerman, Kristin Regan, Adam Lattin, Mikaela Delbridge, Katelin (Adam) Fairchild-Abassi, Lauren (Tyler) Davis, and Ryan Crawley. He was also great grandfather to several children whom he loved dearly.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mabel Fairchild; his sister, Charlene Sartwell; his brother, Leon Fairchild; his mother-in-law, Edna (Maynard) Mansfield; his father-in-law, Albert Mansfield; his brothers-in-law, Tom Shatney and Gene Sartwell; and his precious infant grandbabies, Angela and Nicholas.

A gathering to remember Richard will be held at the American Legion in Hesperia, Michigan between Noon and 2pm on September 12, 2026. Light refreshments will be available.

If you would like to support an organization that helped our family immensely, please consider a donation to Harbor Hospice of Muskegon in Richard’s honor.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Hesperia Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com