Richard Smyers

Richard Paul Smyers June 12, 1938 - March 25, 2016 Richard Paul Smyers age 77, peacefully passed away at home on March 25, 2016. Richard was born June 12, 1938 in LaPorte, IN to Charles Edward and Edna Nicholene Smyers Jr. He was a 1957 graduate of LaPorte High School. Richard received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Purdue University in 1962 and went on to receive his Master of Library Science Degree from the Indiana University School of Liberal Arts in 1963. Richard was employed as the bookmobile librarian for the South Bend Community Library in South Bend, IN (1963-1968), as the Acquisitions Librarian at the Memorial Library, University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN (1968-1981), the Head Librarian at the Starke County Public Library in Knox, IN (1981-1982) and retired as the Reference Librarian at the East Chicago Public Library in East Chicago, IN (1986-2005). Richard was a member of the American Library Association, the United States Naval Institute, the International Naval Research Organization, the Shuttleworth Veteran Aeroplane Society, the International Wizard of Oz Club, the Lighter-Than-Air-Society and the LaPorte Travel and Camera Club. Richard authored a book review column since 1965 for the Warship International, the quarterly journal of the International Naval Research Organization. He also wrote a number of pamphlets on local history for the East Chicago Room of the East Chicago Indiana, Public Library and presented illustrated lectures to the LaPorte Travel and Camera Club. Private Funeral Services were entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, IN. Online condolences may be left at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Richard Paul Smyers please visit our Sympathy Store.