Mr. Richard "Red" LaFayette's Obituary
Richard A. “Red” LaFayette, 93, went to be with his Lord and Savior Tuesday evening, May 25, 2021. Red was born July 5, 1927 to Charles and Ruth (Ludlam) LaFayette in Muskegon and was a lifelong resident. He worked at Dresser Crane and Hoist/Lift Tech before retiring and was a WWII U.S. Army veteran. Red was a longtime member of the former First Christian Reformed Church where he served as an Elder, Deacon, Sunday School Teacher and Youth Group Leader. He had been on the boards of Muskegon Christian School, Western Michigan Christian High School, and Christian Care. In the community he was a sports official for baseball, football and basketball, and also served on the advisory committee for the welding program at MCC. He also organized tuition assistance programs at the Christian Schools and was an “Old Newsboy” for 35 years. On February 19, 1953 Red married Tressa Mae Rop, and she preceded him in death on August 7, 2010. Survivors include two sons: Thomas (Peggy) LaFayette, Douglas (Pamela) LaFayette; four grandchildren: Erica (Jeremy Tjapkes) LaFayette, Stacy (Scott) Devowe, Nathan LaFayette and Christopher LaFayette; great-grandchildren: Jacob Parsons and Jayce Tjapkes, Shelby Lynn Devowe, Evalyn Betty Devowe,; one sister: Ruth (Richard) Durham; one sister-in-law: Eileen LaFayette. Red was also preceded in death by two brothers: Raymond and Charles LaFayette. The funeral service, with military rites, will be Tuesday, June 1, at 11:00 AM at The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Restlawn Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Mr. LaFayette may be made to Christian Care or Muskegon Christian School.
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?
