Dr. Richard R. Wilson

Dr. Richard Rutherford Wilson died peacefully at his home on Catawba Island on October 26, 2006, at the age of 95. Dick was born on June 3, 1911, in Zanesville, OH to Mabel and Charles Wilson. He married Irene Rankin on September 18, 1937. Dick attended Muskingum College. In 1935, he graduated from The Ohio State University Optometry School and set up an optometry practice in New Lexington, Ohio. In 1946 Dick then graduated from The Ohio State University Medical College and, upon his graduation, served as a captain in the U.S. Army. After serving his country, he settled in Fremont and opened his medical and optometry practice with Dr. John Monahan. He was actively involved with the medical community and served as Chief of Staff at Memorial Hospital. Throughout his twenty-seven years of family practice, many patients remember him as a conscientious, dedicated, and compassionate doctor. Dick was also a lifelong Presbyterian, and his church and faith were an integral part of his life. He served on numerous church committees, participated in Bible studies, sang in the church choir, and served as an Elder several times. Dick was a contributing force to every community he lived in. In Fremont, he was a long-time member of Rotary Service Club and served as its president in 1966-67. Also, he was very active in American Field Service, and the Wilson family hosted Roland Kink, an exchange student from Switzerland, in 1966-67. He was always a man “on the go” and lived his life to the fullest in all the interests and endeavors that he tackled. Gardening and pottery were two passions in his life. He was well-known by his neighbors for growing “prize-winning” tomatoes, and his beautiful pottery pieces adorn the homes of many friends and relatives. Reading, photography, music, Arabian horse breeding, boating, golfing and traveling were other interests he pursued throughout his life. He made many friends in all of his pursuits; all were drawn to his outstanding sense of humor and his ability to laugh at himself. In retirement, he and Irene lived in Fountain Hills, Arizona, for 27 years before returning to this area to be near family and friends. He will be greatly missed by Irene, his wife of 69 years, his four children, Steve Wilson, (Cherie), Jim Wilson(Abby), Chris Harnden (Hal) and Abby Kurth (Larry), his seven grandchildren, Carmen, Andrew, Jennifer, Nick, Max, Dana, and Erika, and his three great-grandchildren, Zach, Tyler, and Grant. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Bob, and his sister, Betty. A memorial service will be held for friends and family at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at Firelands Presbyterian Church, 2626 East Harbor Road, Port Clinton. The Rev. Robert E. Butcher will officiate. Neidecker, LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home, Port Clinton, is handling arrangements for Dr. Wilson’s family. Funeral Home: Neidecker-LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home - Port Clinton Chapel 1124 Fulton Street Port Clinton, OH