Richard Tobias
It is with great sadness that the family of Mr. Richard (Dick) Tobias, age 79 of Nashville, MI announces his passing on March 22, 2024, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing.
Richard was born on May 23, 1944, a son of the late Keet Ivan and Marguerite Alice Tobias. Richard grew up on the family farm in Hastings, attending country school as a young boy later graduating from Hastings Highs School in 1962. After completing high school, he attended Michigan State University where he studied agriculture.
Richard was married to Ginger (Burd) Tobias and the couple had three sons, Aaron, Dan and Ben Tobias. On April 1, 1982, he later married Virginia (Potter) Tobais. Richard and Virginia made their home together in the Nashville area and have celebrated over 41 years of marriage.
After leaving MSU, Richard used his knowledge of farming to begin a career selling dairy equipment, which he did for several years. During the mid-1970’s he transitioned from agricultural sales to auto sales, working for several dealerships in the Hastings area. In 1980 Richard became a licensed insurance agent and embarked on a career in the insurance industry which spanned over 30 years before retiring in 2010.
In his younger years, Richard enjoyed spending a summer afternoon playing softball with friends. His love of sports transitioned to golf in his later years, both participating and watching the professionals on television. Family was always extremely important to Richard, and he especially enjoyed visiting family members, and gathering for the holidays and family reunions.
Richard was a dedicated and integral member of the First Baptist Church in Bellevue. He enjoyed his time spent as a Sunday school teacher and served on the board of church elders. His passion for the church’s media outreach program was his main focus in recent years.
Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia; his sons, Aaron (Adrianne) Tobias, Daniel (Mandi) Tobias, Benjamin (Rebecca) Tobias; siblings, Jerry Tobias, Ron Tobias, Lois (Don) Bowers, Pauline Armstrong; six grandchildren, Izabel, Jude, Eddie, Claire, Charlie, Caleb and Elly. He is also survived by his very dear extended families – the Burketts (Debby), the Newtons (Kathy), the Parrs (David), and the Halseys (Cindy). He was preceded in death by his brother, Edger Tobias; sister, Margie Slocum; and sister-in-law, Carol Tobias.
The family received visitors Tuesday evening, April 2, 2024, at The Daniels Funeral Home-Nashville.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at The Daniels Funeral Home-Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E M-79 Hwy, Nashville, MI. Guests were invited to remain at the Daniels Funeral Home immediately following the funeral service for a time of fellowship and luncheon.
Internment took place following the funeral luncheon at Cedar Creek Cemetery in Hastings, MI.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.