Richard E. Sands

Richard E. Sands, 86, of Upper Arlington, passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2015, at the Forum at Knightsbridge. He was born January 31, 1929, in Canton, OH to the late Russell and Helen Sands. He married Barbara Austin in 1953 and they were married for 54 years. He was a 1947 graduate of Lincoln H.S. in Canton and a graduate of The Ohio State University where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. During his sophomore year in college, Dick joined the Navy R.O.T.C. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and retired as a Captain in the Navy Reserves after 35 years in 1983. He was a member of the Navy League and volunteered with Sea Cadets. Dick was employed as a purchasing agent for Columbus Auto Parts. He was a member of First Community Church where he served as an usher in Group C known for their blue blazers and maroon ties. He and Barbara were long time members of Couple Circle 32. He worked as a Red Coat Usher and Portal Captain in C Deck at O.S.U. football games from 1969-2012. He was a Marshall and Hole Captain for the Memorial Golf Tournament from 1974-2012. Dick was a proud husband, father and grandfather. He loved the winters in Florida with Barbara and traveling with her and friends to the away Buckeye football games. He will be remembered for his generous spirit and bright smile and dearly missed by his friends and family. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara who died in 2007. Dick will be missed by his loving children, David A. (Diane) Sands and Martha J. (Ross) Swanson; grandchildren, Austin and Tyler Swanson; Jacob, Zachary and Adam Sands; and cousin, Jack Longfellow. Family will receive friends in the Weist Room at First Community Church, 1320 Cambridge Blvd, from 4-7pm Thursday, October 22. Funeral service will be at 10am Friday, in the sanctuary at church. Rev. James Long officiating. Interment Dublin Cemetery. There will be a reception following the interment back at the church. Arrangements by Schoedinger Northwest Chapel. Contributions may be made in Dick's memory to the Columbus Council of the Navy League of the United States, 3001 Marwick Rd Columbus, OH 43232, or the Buckeye Club at The Ohio State University, Fawcett Center, 8th Floor 2400 Olentangy River Road Columbus, OH 43210. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories or condolences.