MSG (Ret) Floyd L. Diehl

February 15, 1939 - October 27, 2018

Floyd Leonard Diehl was born February 15, 1939 to Harvey Johns and Gladys (Birdsall) Diehl in Villa Park, Illinois. He graduated high school and attended two years of college. Floyd married the love of his life Shirley Jean Rogers on August 29, 1961. Their marriage of over fifty six years gave great joy along with two precious sons, David and Curtiss. In 1956 Floyd entered into the military proudly serving his country faithfully in both, the US Navy and the Army, from 1956 to 1983, before receiving his honorable discharge, having attained the rank of MSG. While in the US Navy Floyd earned his Dolphins and served on the U.S.S. Queenfish and had the honor of being both a Pollywog and a Shellback. He earned the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (20LC), Good Conduct Medal (7the Award), National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon (3), Army Occupation Medal (Berlin), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Expert badges in the Bayonet, Grenade, Machine Gun and Pistol as well as a Sharpshooter Badge (M-16). After Floyd’s retirement the family settled down in the Richland community in 1983. Floyd’s strongest desire in life was to be “a good husband, father and grandfather;” his busy military career made it difficult at times...however; he always looked forward to being with those he loved. He was a member of both the VFW Post 3168, and the American Legion Post 240 of Richland. Floyd had many talents. As a youth he was actively involved in basketball, wrestled, played football and baseball. He loved drawing and oil painting, keeping a neat and tidy yard, working with wood; Floyd could build anything! He also liked learning about everything, and anything as he traveled the world many times over. Floyd and Shirley were caring neighbors and friends to all. They just enjoyed life! Floyd passed away in his home on the afternoon of Saturday, October 27, 2018 surrounded by his sons, having attained the age of 79 years. He is survived by his 2 sons: David Diehl and his wife, Coralia of Trenton, Michigan and Curtiss Diehl and his wife Ronda of Daphne, Alabama; 8 grandchildren: Steven Diehl, Naomi Benavidez, Sean Diehl, Kris Gokey, Devin & Christopher Diehl, David J. Diehl and Johnny Diehl; 5 great grandchildren, Karla Diehl, Sean K. Diehl, Kyler Diehl, Regan Diehl and Jayton Benavidez; 2 brothers: Albert Diehl from the state of NC and Charles Diehl from the state of OH; numerous other relatives and friends. In additions to his parents, Floyd is preceded in death by his 3 brothers, Howard, Robert and William Diehl. Throughout his battle with cancer and other health issues however, Floyd always kept a positive attitude and his sense of humor. He truly counted his day lost if he couldn’t bring a smile to someone’s day. We will always cherish with fond memories, each day Floyd was given by God here on this earth; and will be forever grateful as a nation for his sacrifice and service to his country. A private graveside service was held Wednesday, November 7, 2018, in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville, Missouri. Arrangements were under the care of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions in memory of MSG (Ret) Floyd L. Diehl may be left at the funeral home.