Preceded in death by wife, Patricia Chapman, parents Wayne and Elizabeth Chapman, and stepdaughters Cindy Espenschied and Susan Keifer.
Richard served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War. Upon discharge, he attended The Ohio State University and worked at North American Rockwell Aviation while residing in Johnstown, his hometown. He also served for several years as councilman and mayor.
He worked for U. S. Congressman John Ashbrook, Johnstown, Ohio, during the 1960s and 1970s, before returning to a long career in the dairy industry, which he had learned from his father. Richard started as a milk hauler, progressed to field operations and finally worked as a logistics supervisor with the Dairy Farmers of America co-op in Strongsville.
After retiring at 72, he volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Medina Ohio, and assisted with Bible study and various projects at the Lodi Trinity United Methodist Church, where he was a member. His favorite activities included gardening with his neighbors, Lori and Warren Galla, fishing with his brother and spending time with family.
Richard is survived by daughters Debra Main (Martin Liquori), and Julia Chapman, all of Gainesville, Florida; stepchildren Dane Espenschied, Plain City, Ohio, Donald (Kimberly) Cox, Kirtland, Ohio, and Sandra (David) Bowers, Newark, Ohio; grandchildren Kevin Evans, Connor Main, Meredith Main Sa' (Manoel), Lacey (Bill) Puzines, Corey (Katy) Espenschied, Troy (Evon) Keifer, Scott (Erin) Keifer, Jennifer (Kyle) Eck, Rachel and Hannah Bowers; brother Donald (Barbara) Chapman, Johnstown, Ohio; and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wonderful neighbors, the family wishes to thank the caring staff at Medina-Akron Home Instead, especially caregivers extraordinaire Tami, Marsha and Debbie, for their kindness and great care.
Crouse-Kauber-Fraley Funeral Home in Johnstown is handling funeral arrangements. Graveside service and burial will be at 10:45 a.m. on Friday, June 3, 2022 at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Seville, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Medina County Meals on Wheels Foundation, 246 Northland Drive G-20, Medina, Ohio 44256, or The Monroe Township Volunteer Fire Department, 186 Coshocton Street, Johnstown Ohio 43031 or the charity of your choice.
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