Richard L. Kutschbach

Richard “Dick” Kutschbach 79, of Chillicothe, Ohio passed away on July 13, 2023 at Select Speciality Hospital.

Dick was born in Chillicothe, Ohio on May 29, 1944 to Dorothy Ellen Fink Halasz & Francis Kutschbach He was raised by his maternal grandparents Elemer & Bessie Fink.

Dick graduated from Huntington High School in 1962 and then joined the US Navy serving on the USS Meredith as a machinist. In 1987 Dick and his wife, Clara, purchased Chillicothe Fire Equipment which later became Chillicothe Fire & Security. He owned the company for 26 years then they retired and sold their business to their daughter and son in law (Larry & Angie Lochbaum).

In February 1968 he married Clara B Carter and they had two daughters. Shelly Kutschbach Horch (Dean Arledge) and Angie (Larry) Lochbaum. His grandchildren were the love of his life. Jordan (Brandon) Ellis, Columbus, Carter Lochbaum, Columbus, Colin Horch (Mikayla Homa), Chardon, and Bailey Lochbaum, Chillicothe. Step Granddaughter: Justice Stearos, Xenia. Dean’s children: Jeff (Kali) Arledge, Lancaster and Max Arledge, Chillicothe. He was very excited to become a great grandpa in December. Jordan is the first granddaughter and will have the first great grandson. He was so proud of all of his grandchildren but his youngest is heading to UVA for grad school in the fall and he told everyone he met about it. She is also the only one that had red hair like him, which he liked to brag about.

He is survived by his lovely wife of 55 years, Clara. His daughters and grandchildren, his brother Francis "Pete" (Rosemary)  Kutschbach and sisters: Donna (Don) Carter, Diana Taylor, Paula Halasz. Sister-in-laws: Carolyn “Sue” Miner, Mary Moore, Nancy Carter. Brother-in laws: Lennie (Charlie Divan) Carter, David (Beth) Carter. Many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great great nephews. He is also survived by his beloved pet Princess AKA Buddy.

Dick was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, in-laws: Lennie & Dora Carter, sisters: Cookie Bell, Mary C. Damico, Francis Hougland, brother-in-laws: Dan Miner, Ray Taylor and his two dogs: Sadie & Buddy.

Dick was a past President of Chillicothe Rotary. He was a past member of Chillicothe Jaycees, where he chaired many projects and met some lifetime friends. He was awarded his JCI Senatorship and was a lifetime member of the Ohio Jaycees. He was a member of American Legion Post 757, Eagles, Chillicothe Kiwanis, Elks, Eagles, and Amvets

Anyone who knew Dick would agree he was the life of the party and always loved joking and laughing. Dick was a jack of all trades and there was nothing he wouldn’t try. He loved fishing, boating, camping, 4-wheeling, jeeping, traveling and just being around family. He loved when mom and him would jump in their RV and just head down the road, sometimes never knowing where they would end up. Dick loved floating in the pool and always had a smile on his face when his grandkids were around.

Dick was the best husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother anyone could ever ask for. He will be missed by many. Dick would want all of us to realize life is short and enjoy it while you can.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at 11:00am at Trinity United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in St. Margarets Cemetery with military honors by the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard.  Friends and Family may pay their respects on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Fawcett Oliver Glass and Palmer Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to: Ross County Humane Society, Trinity Methodist Church, or the charity of your choice.

The Fawcett Oliver Glass and Palmer Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.

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