Richard Lab

Richard L. Lab, age 84, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 8:41 PM at the Fairhaven Community in Upper Sandusky.

Richard was born on October 20, 1926 to Eugene T. (1898-1976) and Ruth N. (Baxter) Lab (1903-1997) in Akron, Ohio. On September 2, 1949 Richard married Barbara Jean Bennett in her parent's home in Findlay, Ohio and she died on May 15, 2003.

Surviving is a son Tony and his wife Becky Lab of Upper Sandusky and 2 grandsons, Andrew and his wife Megan and Curtis, along with 5 great grand children, Hannah, Kayla, Nick, Dominique and Clay all of Upper Sandusky and a special friend Jo Leigh.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and 2 infant children Jack and Nedra Faye and 2 brothers Eugene and Jack Lab.


He was a 1944 graduate of Carey High School where he was Sr. Class President.
In 1947-1950 Richard attended and graduated from Findlay College where he played college baseball earning three varsity letters.

From 1950-1952 Richard taught at Lima St. Johns where he also coached basketball and baseball. From 1952 - 1953 Richard taught at Liberty Local (Darke Co.) where he also coached basketball and baseball. From 1953 - 1986 Richard taught Science, Geography, Ohio History, American History and Journalism at Upper Sandusky Jr. High where he also coached Jr. High Basketball and Varsity Baseball. While at Upper Sandusky Jr. High, Richard re-established Orange and Black in the Daily Chief, he was an advisor to publishing more than 350 editions, he started "Little Rams Tales" Jr. High newspaper, and in 1957 Principal Robert Barclay and Richard established High School Bowling League.

Richard was a United States Veteran having served with the Navy was on USNR Plank Owner USSCL92 Little Rock and was on the postwar goodwill tour South America Around Cape Horn. He also served in later years on the Service Draft Board until the draft law ended after Vietnam.

He served for over 7 years with the Upper Sandusky City Council and also coached American Legion and Little League Baseball. He was a life member of the NEA and OEA. For hobbies he enjoyed traveling, going to the Carey Class of "44" monthly lunches and attending student reunions. reading and drinking his Pepsi.

And many will remember the how Richard enjoyed visiting with former students and friends especially at his home where his door was always open for company
and for his love for his family.

A Graveside Service for Richard L. Lab will be held on Saturday August 13 at 11:00am in Old Mission Cemetery in Upper Sandusky with Rev. Ken Wessler officiating.

The family will receive family and friends following the service back at the Lucas-Batton Funeral Home in Upper Sandusky where lunch will be served in the community room of the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Upper Sandusky Public Library or a Charity of the Donors Choice and can be sent to Lucas-Batton, 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, OH 43351.

Online condolences can be sent to www.lucasbatton.com