Richard Francis Holmes

Richard Francis Holmes, 96, longtime resident of Mansfield, died Monday, September 26, 2016, at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky, Ohio, following months of declining health. Richard was born on June 24, 1920, in Richland County, Ohio, and lived on the family property his entire life. He was the only child of the late Elwin and Lillie (Poth) Holmes.

He graduated from Weller High School in 1938. Before being drafted in October 1941, he worked at Ideal Electric. Richard was in the first group of 124 draftees from Richland County. He was assigned to the Army's 213th Coastal Artillery Anti-Aircraft Division, where he served in northern Africa and Italy during World War II. His discharge was granted in September 1945 after having served during the entire war.

Upon returning home, he began working at Tappan Stove Company and was employed there for 36 years. He married Alvena G. Beer on July 24, 1955, and they had two daughters. Richard was a Tappan Quarter Century member and was a former president of the Richland Rural Life Center. He assisted in acquiring the organ for the Renaissance Theatre and was a past President of Pavonia Cemetery. Richard was a collector of antiques and enjoyed playing the piano. In addition to his musical abilities, Richard was a talented artist and photographer. He created many treasured family memories with his 16mm movie camera.

He is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Pamela and Bruce Beekman and Janice and Rick Hines; five grandchildren, Stephanie Hines (Dean) Lehman, Greg Hines, Doug Hines, Luke Beekman, and Laurie Beekman; and two great-grandchildren, Zane and Quinn Lehman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alvena, in 2011 following 55 years of marriage.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 29, 2016, at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. The funeral service conducted by Rev. Christine Radojcsics will be held Friday at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home with additional visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Pavonia Cemetery with military honors presented by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to Mansfield Memorial Homes, Meals on Wheels Program, 50 Blymyer Avenue, Mansfield, OH 44903.