Richard A. Williams

Richard A. Williams, Sr., 80, of Upper Sandusky, OH, died at 12:10 am, Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at Fairhaven Community in Upper Sandusky.

He was born February 7, 1930 in Lakeview, OH, to the late Harry and Modest (Brown) Williams.

On March 27, 1954, he married Charlene Austin in Liberty, IN. She survives in Upper Sandusky.

Also surviving are 5 children, Gary L. (Tracy) Williams, West Chester, Richard A. (Norma) Williams II, Kevin E. Williams both of Upper Sandusky, Julie A. (Steve) Piatt, Nevada, and Darin S. Willliams, Upper Sandusky, 17 grandchildren, Aaron, Lisa, Bryan, David, Sean, Ian, Heather, Joshua, Christopher, Cheyenne, Jennifer, Sarah, Grace, Shawn, Amanda, Darin, and Justin, 12 great grandchildren, and a sister, Shirley Gibson, Upper Sandusky.

Preceding him in death were six brothers and sisters, Gloria Althouser, Robert Williams, Lillian Mapes, Florence Payne, Ivan Williams, and Jean Swartz.

Richard was a member of the first EMT class to serve the Wyandot County EMS and retired from Stofcheck Ambulance Service in Marion. He had also worked as a corrections officer at Marion Correctional Institute, an engineer technician for the Ohio State Department of Transportation, and a watchmaker for the former Oats Jewelry in Upper Sandusky.

He was a 1949 graduate of Indian Lake High School.

A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, he served two separate tours earning a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, AMVETS 777, American Legion 225, and VFW 2842, Warpole Lodge 176 F & AM all in Upper Sandusky. He served as Commander of the Upper Sandusky Veterans Color Guard for many years.

In retirement, his labor of love became raising roses. He also enjoyed collecting lighthouses, going to Indian Lake and building various types of models.

Family and friends will be received 2-4 and 6-8 pm, Friday, April 2, 2010 and 1 hour prior to service time on April 3, 2010 at Lucas-Batton Funeral Home, Upper Sandusky. A Masonic Service will be held 7:30 pm Friday, April 2 at the funeral home.

The funeral Service will be held at Lucas-Batton Funeral Home, Saturday, April 3, 2010 at 11:00 am with, Rev. Jarrod Schaaf officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Upper Sandusky. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Upper Sandusky Veterans Color Guard.

Contributions may be made to the Hospice of Wyandot County c/o Lucas-Batton Funeral Home, 476 S. Sandusky Ave, Upper Sandusky, 43351.

Online condolence may be sent to www.lucasbatton.com.