Richard Preston Colley, age 78, of Willard, Ohio, passed away peacefully on on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 surrounded by his loving family at his home. He was born on April 3, 1947 in Portsmouth, Ohio. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was in combat in the Vietnam War. After his military service, he worked for Norfolk and Southern Railroad where he retired as an Engineer after 38 years of service. Richard was a member of the Willard American Legion, life member of the Willard VFW and was very active in the Color Guard. He was also a member of the Willard Moose. He enjoyed boating, lake life, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends.
Richard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Bonnie Sue (Emmons) Colley whom he married on September 21, 1968; children, Richard (Sonya) Colley II of Westerville, Ohio; Margaret Elsea of Willard, Ohio; grandchildren, Nicholas Preston Elsea; and granddaughter, Cecilia Bonnie Colley.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James Preston and Ruth Colley.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the Willard Moose Lodge. Secor Funeral Home is assisting his family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be made to Richard’s family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Danny Ullman - May 10, 2025
Going to miss you Papa Huge..thx you for creating one of my best friends and a good man..hope your in peace now and tell my pops I miss him too..oh don’t be doing no crazy shit up there with my dad..both of you = trouble❤️❤️
Pete Vastine - Apr 28, 2025
I grew up in McDermott. I hired on the Railroad in 1992. One of my first trips to Bellevue was with Rich. He asked who I belonged to, I was surprised to learn he grew up in McDermott also and he new my Dad and Uncles. Rich was one of my favorite Railroaders. My condolences to his family.
Gordon Sims - Apr 15, 2025
Sending heart-felt condolences to all of you during this sad time. Praying and hoping that fond memories surround you in this time of sadness.
Elaine R - Apr 14, 2025
Bonnie and family, I met Rich at Plymouth Levels. We always had good conversations; many about his family. What a nice person. I am sorry for your loss.
Kim Kosar - Apr 14, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you now and in the future to get through your families sadness and challenging times.
Sims family - Apr 13, 2025
You have our deepest sympathy. So many great memories growing up around your family. Big Rich will be missed. Love to you all.
Chuck Jewell - Apr 13, 2025
Rich was a good friend i always liked working with him he surley will be missed R.I.P My friend Prayers to the Family
Mariann Teagarden - Apr 12, 2025
Bonnie and Family, Lisa and I have been thinking about all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hoping you find peace in all your Precious Memories. He was an Amazing person. So Glad we had the opportunity to Meet him. He will always have a place in our Hearts .
Richard Whitely - Apr 12, 2025
Tina GATES - Apr 12, 2025
So sorry for your loss! Prayers to you and your family!
Louise Owens - Apr 12, 2025
I am so very sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family.
Dean Cok - Apr 11, 2025
Bonnie and family I thought the world of him his love for family was always top of his list. Thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.
Shana Ditz-Ousley - Apr 11, 2025
So very sorry for your loss. Such a very kind man with a great sense of humor.. May God wrap his arms around your family and hold them tight for comfort.
ReNea Owens - Apr 11, 2025
So sorry for the family loss. Thoughts and prayers
Kim Vanderpool - Apr 11, 2025
My deepest sympathy to your family in the loss of Rich. He will be missed. Prayers for comfort and peace at this time.
Larry Buckland - Apr 10, 2025
R I P my friend. Condolences to all of the Family that he loved so dearly.
Bob and Addie Langley - Apr 10, 2025
We are sad to hear about Rich's passing. We have known him for a few years and enjoyed our time spent with him. He took us for a ride in his pontoon boat and we went out with Him, Bonnie, Margaret and other friends and family. Both Bob and I truly enjoyed being around him and he will be missed by us and so many other people that knew him.
Kim Davis - Apr 10, 2025
Bonnie and family. So sorry for your loss. Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way.
Lofty and Judy Crofts - Apr 10, 2025
Bonnie and family, so sorry to hear of the passing of Richard,he put up a hell of a fight, will miss seeing him and talking to him, great guy! Condolences and prayers to you and your family... May he R.I.P
Gracie Dials - Apr 10, 2025
Bonnie, and family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Janzen Phipps - Apr 10, 2025
Rest in peace Richard. My condolences Bonnie, Margaret and Rich. Richard was a wonderful man and had the warmest heart and laugh! Such an absolute pleasure to love you all, and I will forever keep the memories of him and my dad close to my heart. God bless you guys.
