My dad was 12th born of 13 children. He had 2 sisters 10 and after his 4th birthday he spent the next 12 years in foster care. Dad was hard working, but knew how to have a good time. He enjoyed beer and playing pool with his friends. In the day no one could beat him and his buddy John in shuffle board. He was the rock of my family, self-reliant, determined, and frugal. He served in the US Army during the Korean War 1951-1953 and stayed in the reserves for an additional 5 years. He was a Sargent and Tank Commander. Dad was a member of the American Legion Wilson Ritch Post #432 for 52 years and served as Post Commander from 1972-1975. He was a member till the day he died. There were so many stories from the Korean War. 

I will always remember the great trips he took me on: camping, trip around the states, Canada, Mexico, Florida, Maine, and 
Europe. I know there were more, but I just can’t think of them. 

My dad taught me to throw and catch a baseball, football and basketball. He was a fun dad often starting water fights in the Summer. We when on many walks together when I was little. He was easy going, never complained and nothing seemed to bother him. It took a lot to get him mad, but watch out out when he did. He was a well respected man. 

He always said he could fix anything, but a broken heart. My ❤️ is broken in pieces. I will miss him always and I know we will meet again. Love you dad.  


It’s hard to believe that Papa is really gone. I’m used to going over his house every summer to mow the lawn and have lunch. He always thought of the most random projects! Papa taught me how to paint a fence, reside parts of the house, chop branches off a tree, and build a coat rack (which has traveled over 582 miles back and forth to college), and many other lessons. Nothing Papa owned was ever broken, only repurposed for another project. If it was in pretty rough shape, we brought it to the cabin. I’m glad we took so many trips upstate to visit the cabin, and no trip will ever be the same without him. I’ll always cherish the stories about the cow, pig, and the chicken before everyone went to sleep when I was younger. I know he only told it for my benefit. There’s too many memories to list here to share, but I’m glad I spent as much time with him as I did. I hope he’s at peace drinking the largest cup of coffee and dancing with Nanny. I love you Papa, until we meet again someday💚

Mr. DeHart was my next door neighbor for 20 years. I will miss coming out and seeing him on his swing chair in his back yard or  sitting on his fence out front or even burning sticks that he collected from his yard. He would always  wave and say hello, and sometimes we would stop what we were doing and have a conversation about what ever was going on.  A better neighbor you won’t find,  He was an amazing man! I will miss him. My condolences to his family. 
Gabe Jimenez 

Papa talking to Nathaniel about the Korean War. 

I keep writing, deleting, and re-writing what I want to say about the passing of a great man in my life. My grandpa/my Papa (or Popa as I used to spell it when I was growing up). I feel like I've been thinking of what to write for months now; before you were really ill. I was bracing myself for this time. I thought if I got it all out then, it wouldn't be so hard when the time actually came to pass. I was wrong. I couldn't get it all out and it is so very hard right now. Though a part of me is happy. Happy that you're not in pain, that your wishes were met, and that you were home and could be around your family. For that I am grateful. I am also grateful for all the time I had with you. That is what I am trying to focus on now. We have so many good memories. I loved our Sunday breakfasts and Island exploring (we'd take turns picking breakfast spots and I would usually find an activity around Long Island). You endured my obsession with making chili so often and brussel sprouts. At least you did eat the chili, even if you had to put cold baked beans on top of it.  Those are just some from the past ten years. There is so much more. Thirty-nine years worth. I am so happy you got to spend some time with Desmond. I will always tell him about you and how you called him 'little Richie'. Anyone who had you in their life is lucky. You were such a caring and giving person. You weren't into the overly emotional and expressive  stuff, so saying I love you wasn't a natural thing, but you sure showed it tenfold. I love you, Papa, always. 💚

OBITUARY

Richard DeHart

6 October, 1930 – 1 August, 2022

O.B. Davis Funeral Homes

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