Richard Lee Shomin's Obituary
Richard Lee Shomin, named Chinoodin (Strong Wind) age 79, passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was born October 16, 1942 in St. Ignace, MI to John and Evelyn (Tepakayah) Shomin. Richard was a tribal member of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. He watched the Mackinac Bridge being built and completed in 1958. At the age of 6 years old, he worked with his father painting totem poles and making shell lamps to sell. As a teenager, he helped build the Mystery Spot. He also worked at Castle Rock raising and lowering the flag daily with his sister, Millie. He loved working on cars, hunting, bowling, driving truck (High Grade 15 years and Omans 30 years). He enjoyed going to the races with his children which he was a big part of at Winston and Thunderbird. He loved being the camera man at all the grandchildren’s sport events cheering them on and praising them after! He also got the blessing of meeting Ricky III which brought so much joy to his heart before passing. On April 14, 1973, he married Linda (Magner) Shomin in Killeen, TX. He served in the U.S. Army from 1967-1974 during the Vietnam War. Survivors include his wife, Linda Shomin; 5 children, Thomas Spoon, Darrin (Heather) Spoon, Laurie Jager, Thresa Shomin, Richard J. (Robin) Shomin; bonus daughter, Sonya Shomin; grandchildren, Michael Jager Jr, Richard J. Shomin Jr, Nathaniel Shomin, Kaley Clark, (Cameron, Travis, Annalea Spoon), Johnathon Andrew Shomin, McKenzy and Grace Ann Shomin, Pedro, Michael, Isaiah, Blake, Castorena Moore; great-grandchildren, Bradon and Neveah Jager, Richard J. Shomin III; brother, Michael Andews; sisters, Rose Moses and Wildann (Keith) Bard. Preceded in death by his parents, John Shomin and Evelyn Andrews; 6 brothers, Donald, William, Kenneth, Calvin, Ronald and Raymond; and 3 sisters, Marie Shomin, Mildred LaDuke, and Carol Paquin. Graveside with Military Honors will take place at 12:00 PM Friday, June 24, 2022 at Egelston Township Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life at the VFW Post 7729 (6285 E Apple Ave). Arrangements handled by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 Apple Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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