Richard Hamrick

Richard Blen Hamrick, 60, of Mansfield died peacefully at home Sunday evening, February 15, 2004 after an extended illness. Mr. Hamrick was born December 1, 1943 in Gallipolis, Ohio living in the Mansfield area since 1960. He attended Pleasantville Elementary and High School and was a 1961 graduate of Ontario High School. He served 3 years with the Richland County Sheriff's Department, 20 years with the Ontario Police Department and 10 years as Chief of Police with the Lexington Police Department. Richard was a member of Community Baptist Bible Church where he served as Deacon, taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, basket making, and bird watching and was an avid sports fan. Mr. Hamrick was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Karen Tope Hamrick of Mansfield; two sons, Richard B. Hamrick of Columbus and David T. Hamrick of Mansfield; a grandson, Joshua Hamrick; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Rebecca & David Hall of McCormick, South Carolina, Kaye Porter of Bucyrus, Mary Jane & Bruce Briggs of Summerville, South Carolina and Grace Bolus of Centerville, Ohio; numerous nieces and nephews; and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Blen & June Johnson Hamrick.

Friends may call at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. and one hour prior to funeral services to be held Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at Community Baptist Bible Church conducted by Pastor Randall Collins. Military services will follow at Oak Grove Memorial Park. Lexington police officers will act as honor guard during calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to The Hope Children's Home, in care of Community Baptist Bible Church, 1043 Springmill Road, Mansfield, Ohio 44906.