Widman, Richard 'Alabama' L.

Richard “Alabama” L. Widman, 92, of Cedar Rapids, died Feb. 25, 2011, at Manor Care Center following a short illness. Funeral services will be held 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 1, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Dunkard Cemetery, Midway.

Surviving are his daughter, Lura Lee Widman of Brookline, Mass.; three grandchildren; three nephews; a granddaughter; as well as extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bertha; and one brother and one sister.

Alabama was born April 22, 1918, in St. Joseph, Mo., the son of Adolph K. and Isla V. (Martin) Widman. He was united in marriage to Ella Rosalie Drake in 1942 and was later divorced. He served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps, 5th division. During his time serving his nation he was deployed in the Korean War and World War II where he served on Iwo Jima. Following his military service, he returned home and was united in marriage to Bertha Mae in December 1959. She preceded him in death in 1991. He was employed by the USDA as a meat inspector, spending the majority amount of his time at Wilson's.

He was a member of VFW Post 788, NRA, and the Marion American Legion.

He will be greatly missed.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Marion American Legion.

Please leave a message, tribute, or memory to Alabama's family on the webpage,  under Obituaries.