Richard Haycook

Richard Paul Haycook, 80, died Sunday, September 18, 2005, at home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born November 27, 1924, in Mansfield to the late Paul O. and Dorothea Schnorr Haycook. A graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, he worked as a salesman, a postal carrier and a security guard. For 14 years he owned and operated Haycook's Sohio on Diamond St. and he retired from Richland Newhope Industries as the Community Contracted Services Coordinator. A veteran of World War II, he served in the Army from 1943 to 1946 as a surgical technician and a combat medic in Europe. Among other awards, he earned 2 battle stars and the Meritorious Unit Award. He also served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and from 1953 to 1956 was assigned to the 6555th Guided Missile Squadron at Cape Canaveral, Fla. There he served as a guidance technician and later as the NCOIC of the Squadron Intelligence Office. He wrote the training manual on missile guidance systems and his unit was the first to launch from the cape and the first to accomplish the zero length launch. Richard was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church where he served in many capacities. He was also a member of the Marquis Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandry of the Masonic Order and a member of the Baku Grotto.

He was married July 1, 1961, to Mary Louise Thompson Haycook who survives. He is also survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Deb and Drew Eckert of Lexington; his sons and daughters-in-law, Stephan and Margot Haycook of Dumfries, Va., Craig and Laura Haycook of Columbus, and Marc and Laura Haycook of Columbia, Mo.; five granddaughters, Danielle and Denise Eckert, Meagan and Amanda Haycook and Tina Kuenning; a grandson, Matthew Haycook; a great-granddaughter, Nicholette Kuenning; a sister, Linda Kafer of Mansfield; and a brother, Paul Haycook of Mansfield. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Donald Hamblin and Ronald Haycook.

Honoring Richard's wishes for cremation, the family will receive friends Thursday, September 22 from 6-8 p.m. at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors. A celebration of life will be observed Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home officiated by Rev. John Steingas. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of North Central Ohio's Building Fund.