Richard Eugene Retherford

Richard "Dick" Eugene Retherford joined his Lord and Savior Sunday May 5th, 2019. Dick was born in Newark Ohio on September 3, 1930. He is survived by his wife Peggy (Jimison) Retherford, sons Richard "Randy" Retherford (Kathy), Roger Retherford (Marian), daughters Rhenda Gephart (Sam) and Renee Retherford (Rod), Daughter-in-law Debbi Retherford and Grandchildren Johnny Gephart, David, Daniel and Anna Retherford. He is predeceased by his son Ryan Retherford, parents Bernice and Harold Retherford, as well as many aunts, uncles and close friends.

Dick played for the JV basketball team at Lincoln JR High School and went on to play at Newark High School where he was named All Ohio in 1948 his senior year. He played on the All Ohio team, was on the practice team for the Olympic team, awarded the Helms Foundation "All American" in both High School and College and is in the hall of fame at both Newark High School and Baldwin Wallace College.

He was a drum major at Newark High School as well as Baldwin Wallace College. At age 12 Dick joined the Boy Scouts, was a patrol leader and camp counselor and then later became an arrowhead district chairman. He was also a tank commander in the National Guard.

Dick went to work for Caterpillar in Illinois where he played on a semi professional basketball team that went on to win back to back National Championships. He was named captain of the team that represented the United States and won the gold in the world games in Rio De Janeiro in 1954 and was named an "AAU All American" while at Caterpillar.

Dick transitioned to an insurance agent starting with Phoenix Mutual then on to Columbus Life where he started as a part of the training department then onto a regional manager and regional vice president and then eventually retired as an independent agent.

Dick was active in the Westerville Jaycees, was commissioner of the Jr. Baseball league, was a volunteer paramedic and was a key contributor in getting the first emergency squad in Westerville. Dick was a fun loving giant of a man who loved to tease people and often introduced himself as "Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics". He enjoyed all sports, camping (in both the Nimrod and the RV) and just being outdoors. He was strong in his faith, worshiping at Living Word Lutheran Church, where he was one of the founding members. He was also very active in Via De Cristo and Kairos prison ministries. He was married to his wonderful and devoted wife for 68 years and loved her and his children very much, including the furry four legged ones.

Arrangements were entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL 1051 E. Johnstown Rd., Gahanna, Ohio 43230 where a visitation will be held on Monday, May 13, 2019 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A funeral service will take place at Living Word Lutheran Church 7539 Dustin Rd., Galena, Ohio 43021 on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at 11am.