Dick was born April 10, 1930, in Columbus, Ohio. He graduated from East High school in 1948, and served in the United States Naval Reserves, as well as active duty in the United States Air Force. Upon honorable discharge, he married, returned to Ohio, and while beginning his family, worked multiple part time positions while he completed his bachelor’s degree in business administration at the Ohio State University. He retired from Columbia Gas of Ohio. He and his wife Joy (Arlene) were members of Messiah Lutheran Church in Reynoldsburg for 40 years, during which time he served on church council and sang in the choir. Most recently, he attended Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, the Church at Mill Run.
During his years as Human Resources professional and church council member, Dick was a friend and respected confidant of congregants, clergy and co-workers. It was in his role as husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, however, that he excelled. He took great pride in providing for, and protecting his family. He enjoyed working on home improvement projects and landscaping his yard. Most of all, Dick took delight in spending time with his grandchildren, playing, reading, attending school events, and participating as a volunteer. He was not only the beloved “Papa” to his own grandchildren, he was to their friends and classmates as well. Children loved Dick, and he loved them!
Dick is survived by his daughter Linda (Steve) Bennett, son Gary (Kimberly) Wallace; sisters Joan Howells and Kathleen Johnson; grandsons Paul (Olivia) Wallace, David Wallace, Geoffrey Bennett, Christopher Bennet; granddaughters Rebecca Neubig and Elisabeth Bennett; great grandson Jacob Richard Wallace, and great granddaughter Natalie Joy Wallace.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Arlene (“Joy”) Wallace, grandson Jonathan Richard Wallace, father, Leslie Wallace, and mother, Kathleen (“Kitty”) Wallace.
A celebration of Dick’s life will be held on Sunday, September 25, 4:00 p.m. at The Upper Arlington Lutheran Church on Lytham, 2300 Lytham Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220. Family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m prior to the service. Interment will be at Lakeside Memorial Garden. A loving cremation has been entrusted to the Scheodinger Worthington Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lakeside Chautauqua Foundation, 236 Walnut Ave., Lakeside, OH, 43440; or lakesideohio.com
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