Richard E. Staats, 85, of Mansfield passed away Thursday evening, May 22, 2014 in Lexington Court Care Center after a long illness.
Dick was born July 12, 1928, the son of Carl and Almeda (Hettinger) Staats.
He attended Bellville High School and worked at the Ohio Brass Co. for 37 years. Dick began as a time keeper and also worked in the foundry. By the time of his retirement he had worked in almost every department within the company. He then worked in construction and hauling. One of Dick’s favorite hobbies was working with dump trucks, tractors and various other machinery.
Earlier in life, he enjoyed camping and fishing, mostly at East Harbor State Park. Dick enjoyed hunting deer, playing cards and being around friends and family. He was a lifetime member of the Bellville-Jefferson Township Historical Society, where he served on the board of trustees. Richard always looked forward to the monthly Ohio bus trips planned by the historical society.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Ruth (Cotter) Staats of Mansfield; sister Joyce (Jim) Hamilton of Virginia Beach, Virginia; sister-in-law Erma Oswalt of Mansfield; brother-in-law Harold (Jean) Cotter of Mansfield; as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers-in-law Richard Oswalt and Forest Cotter and sister-in-law Ruth Cotter.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 27, 2014 from 5-8 pm in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home where funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 am. The Rev. Peg Welch will officiate and burial will follow in Oak Grove Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions to Diabetes Foundation or Bellville-Jefferson Township Historical Society may be made through the funeral home.
Online condolences to the family may be made by visiting:www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
