Richard K. Schippers, 59, Beverly Hills, died Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, as a result of an airplane crash near Benavides, Texas. He was born in Green Bay, Wis., and came here 26 years ago from St. Petersburg, Fla. He was of the Catholic faith and was a member of Our Lady of Grace Parish. Mr. Schippers was a Marine Contractor and president of Schippers Marine Construction, Inc. He belonged to the National Rifle Association and the Florida Marine Contractors Association.

He is survived by his wife, Christina Schippers, a daughter, Denise Dicks, stepdaughter, Stephanie Cox-Wolinski, stepson, Jim Lightbody, sisters, Ann Schippers, Judy Turcotte and Carol Krumpus; grandchildren, Austin, Shane and Shaylee Schippers, William "Zach" Dicks and Richard "Malachi" Dicks.

The memorial service will be held on Tuesday Nov. 3, at 3 p.m. at Gulf to Lake Church in Crystal River. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Richard's name are being requested to the Family Resource Center of Citrus County, (352) 344-1001. Strickland Funeral Home, Crystal River, is assisting the family with arrangements.