Richard D. Oberlin, 88 years, of West Unity, passed away Monday, December 31, 2012 at the University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio. Richard was born June 20, 1924 in West Unity, son of the late Jacob E. and Luella Mae (Knapp) Oberlin. He was a 1942 graduate of West Unity High School. Richard then served our country in the Army Air Corps. in WWII, where he was a POW, being released from captivity in May of 1945. He also received a Purple Heart for wounds he received during his service
. He married Elizabeth J. Harker on December 24, 1942 in West Unity. They had just celebrated their 70th anniversary. Richard was employed by the United States Postal Service, serving as the Postmaster of the West Unity Post Office. He retired in 1983 after 30 years of service. Richard was honored by the community of West Unity when they named him Citizen of the Year. He was a member of the West Unity United Methodist Church. Richard was a 60 years member of the Superior Lodge F & AM, as well as the Order of the Eastern Star. He was a charter member of the West Unity American Legion Post #669. An avid golfer, Richard was an active member of the Senior League at the Stryker Golf Course, playing at least three times each week. He was also a great cook. One of Richard’s greatest joys was his vegetable garden. He loved to give a large part of the produce to friends and relatives.
Surviving is his wife Elizabeth of West Unity; one son, Jim and his wife Bev Oberlin of West Unity; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Jack E. (Jean) Oberlin of Defiance. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Betsy Keefer; one infant son, John F. Oberlin and two half sisters, Laura Smith and Mary Webster.
There will be no visitation and memorial services will be held at a later date. Interment will be made in Floral Grove Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 206 North Lynn Street, Bryan.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or to the Williams County Public Library, West Unity Branch.
Condolences may be sent to the family or the online guest book may be signed at www.oberlinturnbull.com
