Richard Lowell Shea, 80, Minot, died on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at a Minot hospital.

Richard was born on April 2, 1934 in Minot to Harry and Martha (Thoreson) Shea. He was a native of Minot and graduated in 1952 from Minot High School. In May of 1952 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the U.S.S. Boxer, CVA-21, during the Korean War. He was the Chief Radioman at CINCPACFLT in Honolulu, Hawaii and during the Vietnam War served aboard the U.S.S. Salisbury Sound based at Oak Harbor, Washington. His Navel career included tours of duty in Washington D.C., Bainbridge, MD, San Antonio, TX, Long Beach, CA and Londonberry, Northern Ireland. He was honorably discharged from the Navy as Radioman Chief Petty Officer on February 29, 1972. Throughout, his Navel career he received many excellent evaluations and awards.

Richard married Margaret Algar of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on December 2, 1955 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Together they made their home at the various naval bases that he served and returned to Minot in 1972 upon his military retirement. In Minot, he was employed in the Parts Department at Krebsbach's International Harvester and at Butler Machinery. He retired for good in the early 1990's.

Richard's number one priority was his home and family. During his tour of duty in Long Beach, CA he was very active in developing the first San Pedro Navy Little League. He was assistant coach for his sons' team the Giants and was a great morale booster for all the boys. Richard was well known for his many stories and love of good jokes. His laughter was contagious. He loved the times his family was all together, and loved to give out hugs. He especially loved gardening and yard work, coin collection, reading and playing checkers with his grandchildren.

Richard's loving family includes his wife of 59 years, Margaret; children: Richard Shea, Sawyer, ND, Robert (Jane) Shea and Gordon (Janet) Shea all of Minot, and Linda Shea Alley of Madison, AL; grandchildren: Deanna (Chris) Hetterich, David (Samantha) Bice, Marnie (Kris) Nielsen, Whitney Shea, Lexie Shea, Kristen Alley, Brock (Jennifer) Bjelland; great grandchildren: Gabrielle, Nolan, August, Ansley, Camille and Archer.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Delmer Shea, his mother-in-law, Verna Algar and brothers-in-law Fred, Jim and Hugh Algar.

Celebration of the Life of Richard Shea: Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Visitation: Monday, March 2, 2015 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials are preferred to the charity of your choice.