Richard A. Gleason, Sr.

Lansing, Michigan

Richard Albert Gleason, Sr. died peacefully on September 23, 2016. He was born on July 8, 1925, in Lansing, MI. He is survived and will be greatly missed by daughter Sandra (Sanford) Ames, son Richard Gleason, Jr., daughter-in-law Sharon Gleason, grandchildren Walter Byington V, Carrie (Juliano) Byington-Oei, Nicholas (Lydia) Gleason and three great-grandchildren, Whitney, Anthony and Lauren Byington. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Letty Gleason, stepmother Louise Gleason, brother Robert Grunden, faithful companions Polly and Lady, and the love of his life, wife Hedy Gleason.

Richard graduated from Eastern High School. He continued his education at Lansing Community College and received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Police Administration from Michigan State University.

Richard was a proud veteran of World War II, joining the U.S. Navy in December 1941. He was honorably discharged from the service in July 1947.

Richard returned to Lansing in 1947 and was employed as a radiator repairman and welder. He also worked for Abrams Instrument Company and Oldsmobile. In May 1950 he joined the Lansing Police Department retiring as Chief in August 1987.

Richard pursued many interests in retirement. He enjoyed coin collecting, model trains, reading, watching movies, particularly John Wayne movies and spending time at his cottage at Long Lake.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 3, 2016, at Plymouth Congregational Church, 2001 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Monday at the church. Donations may be made in Richard’s name to The 100 Club of Greater Lansing, Old Newsboys of Greater Lansing or the City Rescue Mission of Lansing. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.

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14 Messages to “Richard A. Gleason, Sr.

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Suzanne Moore
September 24, 2016 at 2:56 pm

May your cherished memories of this great man bring you comfort and may knowing that he s in Gods loving embrace bring you peace.

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Don & Peggy Dufour
September 26, 2016 at 1:16 pm

Sandra & Rick take comfort in knowing your Father was a great man, a great friend & a Father who loved you both very much.

Rest in peace my friend

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Sam & Nancy Campbell
September 26, 2016 at 4:49 pm

Rick and Sandra,
Please know that we are praying for you and your family. I feel very fortunate to have known your father. He was always very kind to me, and I respected him for what he was able to accomplish.

Sam

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Paul Teszlewicz
September 26, 2016 at 6:43 pm

One of the most respected people I have ever worked for. Take care Rick and Sandra and enjoy the many memories you have of your dad.

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Craig & Jennifer Gleason
September 27, 2016 at 12:47 pm

Rick and Sandy,
As you know, your father was a great man and a leader in the Law Enforcement field. Dwell on all the good memories and fun times of the past and know that he is in a better place in heaven.
Craig

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Tim Poxson
September 28, 2016 at 1:35 pm

Your Dad was a very special person. I enjoyed knowing him and he will always be remembered as a good man. Your family is in my prayers. RIP Chief Richard Gleason it was an honor to know you.

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Mark Davis
September 28, 2016 at 5:26 pm

Sandy and Rick,

Your dad was an inspiration to many many people, my thoughts and prayers upon your loss. May he rest in the arms of the Lord for he has fought the good fight, his battle’s are over, and he can now rest in peace. My entire family sends in condolences upon your loss!

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Jack Raff & Ginny
September 29, 2016 at 5:55 pm

He has been a major presence at Long Lake for many years and will be missed. Sandy, Rick and family, we send our condolences.

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Dennis Shaw
September 30, 2016 at 12:56 am

Rick and Sandy

Your father was a great chief and good man. He made my police career interesting, as I probably did his at times. I always trusted him to do the right thing, and he did!! God bless him and your dear my mom.

Dennis

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Anne Burnett
September 30, 2016 at 12:22 pm

My sincerest condolences to the family. RIP Chief Richard Gleason.

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John&Nancy McNamara
October 2, 2016 at 11:10 am

Condolences to your family, we will miss Dick at Long Lake, his walking the dog around the circle. When we were out we had some great conversations. My last chat with him, was very special we spoke of living and dying. He said “he was tired and ready” then we both chuckled cause we both knew it wasn’t up to us! I know he is at peace with Hedy

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David D. Dickson Jr.
October 3, 2016 at 10:27 am

Sandy, Rick and Family, so sorry for the loss of a TOP COP and ADMINISTATOR. I’ve always been grateful to him and his administration for hiring and giving me the opportunity to serve as a Police Officer for the Lansing Police Department. May God bless, heal and comfort your sorrows for now and forever. Rest in peace Chief Gleason.

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Roger Meredith
October 4, 2016 at 2:40 pm

He was a great chief and I enjoyed working for and with him. I will remember him always. RIP

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C.A. Chien
August 14, 2020 at 9:27 am

A good man, respected others, respected in return. Rest in peace, sir.

/C.A. Chien/
Lansing State Journal

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