Richard was born in Cumberland, Maryland on July 10, 1920, Dick graduated from high school in 1939. He worked as a lab assistant in a local Celenese plant for one year before entering the Army in 1940. After basic training as a medical technician, he served in North Africa, Europe, and the Philippines until the end of World War II.
When he returned from the war in 1945, he entered the University of Maryland where he met and married Jane Raymond. Following the birth of their daughter Jennifer, the family moved to Fresno where Dick entered the teaching program at Fresno State. Their son, Jeffrey, was born in 1949. Dick received his teaching credential and taught school in Pacific Grove for one year. The family then returned to Fresno where he taught in the Scandinavian Elementary School District for two years before moving to Friant. There he served as Principal Superintendent and taught the seventh and eighth grades for 27 years. He also served as the Manager of the Fresno County Waterworks #18 in Friant for 36 years and was active in many civic affairs.
After retiring, Dick moved to a hilltop home overlooking Millerton Lake with his second wife, Ursula, and became step-father to four children and many grandchildren. He continued to be involved with education and was active as an art consultant for many years in Madera and Fresno, going into classrooms to work with children and teachers. In the later years of his life, Dick moved back to Fresno with his third wife, Betty, adding three step-children and grandchildren to his family. Over the course of his 92 years of life, Dick was a devoted husband to three very special women until they departed from this earth. Each was extraordinary in their own right and he was, indeed, a fortunate man to find happiness and contentment throughout his many years of life.
Mr. H, as he was known to local students, continued providing crafts projects for schools until the end of this year.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Leighton Peters and her children Aricia and Joey; his son, Jeffrey and children, Dustin and Derek; as well as many extended family members including his newest great grandchild, Jackson Carter-Herboldshimer.
A Memorial Service will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home, on Saturday, January 5, 2013, at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution to the Blind Babies Foundation, 41169 Goodwin Way MB 17, Madera, CA, 93638 is requested.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18