Richard Backensto

Richard "Dick" H. Backensto, 75, of Mansfield, died Saturday, March 22, 2008, at MedCentral Mansfield Hospital. He was born March 16, 1933 to the late Omar and Bertha Harvey Backensto in Mansfield, Ohio. Mr. Backensto was affectionally known as "Grandpa Toodle Doodle". He was an extremely kind gentleman and loved his family. An avid fisherman, camper and hunter he loved being out-of-doors. Richard had retired as a pipe fitter from the Empire Steel Co.

Surviving are his wife, of thirty eight years Trudy Backensto; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Steve Shannon Backensto of West Salem, Ohio, Mark Nancy Riebau Backensto of Mansfield and Jim Backensto of Mansfield; a daughter and son-in-law Robin Sam Stankovich of Ashland; Eleven grandchildren, Justin, Kortni, Kenidi, Ethan, Evan, Jordyn and Jaden Backensto, Joseph and John Stankovich, Tabitha and Tristan Pasco; three great grandchildren, Clayton, Elijah and Emma Stankovich: two sisters, Ethel Don McKim of Mifflin and Betty Backensto of Mansfield; Sister-in-laws, Betty and Iva Backensto, both of Mansfield; a host of nieces and nephews including a special nephew Robert "Skip" Leather, also Rosie his beloved Labrador/Irish Setter. He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers and three sister-in-laws, Howard Christine, Francis Eugene "Jake", Omar "Bus" Lila Mae, Russell "Rutt" Marie, Robert "Jim" and Charles Backensto and three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Pauline Melvin "Butch" Tucker, Mary Robert Leather and Martha Backensto.

Friends may call Wednesday, March 26, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Diamond St. Home of Wappner Funeral Directors. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday March 27 at 10:00 AM at the funeral home by Rev. Floyd Scaggs. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Olivesburg, Ohio.