Obituary of Richard Metzger

Richard Lee Metzger was born February 25, 1928 in Chico, to Jacob and Blanche (Wadlington) Metzger. He attended schools and lived in the Chico area most of his life. He died September 25, 2011 at a local care facility In 1945, even before graduating from high school, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. Air Force, 1st Air Wing, as World War II was still going. But he returned to graduate with his class members. Shortly after returning home to Chico, Richard was married to Donna Humphrey in 1949 and they had three sons, Mike, Steve and Bob. In 1949, Richard went to work for Victor Industries of Chico and was a supervisor of the off-set printing department for 23 years. The family lived in Chico until 1965. Then the Metzger family moved to the community of Capay, north of Hamilton City, where they purchased almond acreage at 3rd and Cutting Ave. While living there, they operated their own almond processing operation with knocking, hulling, shelling and did outside custom harvesting. During those years, Richard was a volunteer fireman with the Capay Fire Department and a member of the Elks Lodge of Chico. Capay was their home until 1989, when they retired. Before retirement, they built a new home at Eagle Lake, near Susanville. There they enjoyed "God's Country" and the community of Spalding. Richard and Donna celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary while living at the Lake in 1999. In Lassen County, Richard became involved in community activities, again. He was Commander of the Eagle Lake American Legion Post, President of the Lassen County Shrine Club and Master of the Lassen-Janesville Masonic Lodge #149. In 2000, they moved back to Chico and have continued to live here enjoying family and friends. Richard always enjoyed hunting and fishing of different sorts, camping and traveling. He is survived by his wife, Donna, of 62 years; three sons, Mike (Ginger), of Chico; Steve, (Sue), and family of Sacramento. Bob (Patti) and their family of Capay (Orland). There are 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Richard is also survived by his brother, Ronny of Dayton, and his sister, Barbara Muller of Sacramento. There will be a private family graveside service, as well as a Masonic ceremony at the Masonic Temple on Monday, Oct. 3, 2011 at 1:00 p.m., followed by refreshments. Donations: The family would prefer that in lieu of flowers, any donations may be directed to the Shriner's Hospitals for Children of Northern California, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817. Condolences can be made at donnametzger31@yahoo.com