James Richard (Dick) Lininger

James Richard "Dick" Lininger, age 87, of rural Upper Sandusky, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord at 5 pm on Thursday, August 1, 2013, at his home in Upper Sandusky.

Richard was born on November 23, 1925 in Upper Sandusky to James E. and Frieda E. (Haas) Lininger, both of whom are deceased. He married Grace Bauman on September 5, 1954 at West Swamp Mennonite Church in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, and she survives.

He is also survived by three children: Gayle Lininger of Marion, Ohio, Jay (Julie) Lininger of Goshen, Indiana, and Jan (Ed) Partlow of Westerville, Ohio; two grandchildren: Jeremy (Autumn) Lininger of Chauvin, Louisiana, and Joel Lininger of Goshen, Indiana; two step-grandchildren: Eddie Partlow of Dublin, Ohio, and Jason Partlow of Gahanna, Ohio, and 1 step-great grandson, Jason "JJ" Partlow.

Richard also is survived by a brother, Paul (Dorotha) Lininger of Sycamore, Ohio, and a sister, Miriam (Burdell) Rupe of Mansfield, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Homer Lininger; and four sisters, Helen McGinnis, Eula Lininger, Ruth Lininger, and Dorothy Chester.

Richard was a farmer for more than 65 years, having farmed in Marion and Wyandot Counties. After graduating in 1943 from Upper Sandusky High School, Richard went on to serve his country in the Navy during World War II.

He was a member of the Trinity Evangelical United Methodist Church in Upper Sandusky and the Progressive Sunday School Class. He was also a long time member of Gideon's International and was formerly on the Board of Directors at Farmers Commission Co (Heritage Cooperative).

For hobbies, Richard enjoyed working in the yard, vegetable gardening and sharing his produce with others.

In his younger years, Dick's children remember his helping hand with their 4-H projects and how important family was to him. He was a man of faith which was evident in his work ethic on the farm, his appreciation for his livestock and his pets, and his love of this great country. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral services for J. Richard "Dick" Lininger will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at Trinity Evangelical UMC in Upper Sandusky with Steve Sturgeon and Chad Guined officiating the services. Burial will follow at Old Mission Cemetery in Upper Sandusky with military graveside rites conducted by the Upper Sandusky Color Guard.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 5, 2013 from 2 pm - 4 pm and 6 pm - 8 pm at the Lucas-Batton Funeral Home in Upper Sandusky, as well as one hour prior to service time at Trinity Evangelical UMC on Tuesday.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon's International or the Trinity Evangelical Building Fund and may be sent to Lucas-Batton Funeral Home 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351.

Online condolences may be made at www.lucasbatton.com.