After a long life well lived, Richard “Dick” Vermillion passed away peacefully in the presence of family on August 12, 2022 in Dublin, Ohio. Dick was born in Oklahoma City, to Raymond and Ethel (Gaitlin) Vermillion on September 7, 1927. After graduating from Central High School in Oklahoma City, he joined the US Army. He was about to enter Officer’s Training School but was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and honorably discharged. He then attended Oklahoma State University where he majored in chemistry and mathematics. He also attended the Advanced Management Program at The University of Michigan and AMP65 at Harvard University. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta who he credits with having a long lasting impact on his life. Dick began his career with The Upjohn Company in pharmaceutical sales, which moved him to several cities ending in Kalamazoo, Michigan where he held senior positions in the pharmaceutical and veterinary divisions, and finally as Executive Vice President with worldwide responsibilities in the agricultural division.
In 1961 he was presented with the William E Upjohn Prize which is awarded to honor special accomplishments of employees. After 25 years with the company, he joined Na-Churs Plant Food Company in Marion, Ohio as Vice President. In 1981, using his extensive travel experience he became the first US franchisee of Uniglobe Travel growing that business to 4 locations throughout Central Ohio and Cincinnati. He was very active on the franchisee councils and was recognized with many awards for his success. Dick believed strongly in giving back to his community and was an active member of rotary clubs in many cities, a member of Tri-Village Sertoma, Capital City Masonic Lodge #656 and Columbus Skal Club. In addition to participating in these organization’s volunteer activities he also was active with Junior Achievement for many years. In his retirement years, he volunteered for The American Red Cross and Dublin Methodist Hospital. Dick was an avid sports participant as a golfer, paddle tennis and racquetball player as well as water and snow skiing. Dick is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marilyn Hancock and two daughters, Jan Thomason and Jean Vermillion. He is survived by his wife Ursula, children Russell (Leslie) of South Haven, MI., Joan (Jim) Sanborn of Angola, Ind. and Randall (Eileen)of Grove City, son-in-law Frank Thomason of Center Point, Tx., grandchildren, Craig, Blake, Clay, Barret, Carly, Meghan and Matthew and four great grandchildren. In keeping with Dick’s wishes his body has been donated for medical research. A memorial funeral mass will be held on Monday, August 29, 2022 at 11:00AM at St. Brigid of Kildare Church, 7179 Avery Road, Dublin, Ohio 43017. After Mass family will receive friends from 1:00PM-3:00PM at SCHOEDINGER DUBLIN, 5980 Perimeter Dr., Dublin, Ohio 43017. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Columbus Speech & Hearing, 510 E North Broadway, Columbus, Ohio 43214, The American Red Cross of Greater Cols., PO Box 2604, Ft. Wayne, Ind. 46801, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, PO Box 1510, Ranson, WV 25438-4510. To share a special memory or to send a condolence, please visit www.schoedinger.com
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