Richard L. Thierry, age 89, of Bryan, Ohio, passed away at 8:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 13, 2018, at Genesis HealthCare-Bryan Center, where he was a resident.
Born on August 26, 1929, in Wauseon, Ohio, he came to Bryan in 1942 and in 1946 left Bryan High School to serve briefly in the United States Army. He returned to Bryan High School to finish his studies and graduated with the class of 1948. During the late 1940s he was a member of the Great Lakes Merchant Marine. In the 1950s he, along with his partner, the late Rudolf Fogelsong, operated Rudy’s Café, a popular night spot in Bryan, and after the death of his partner he converted the business into the Ranch House, which became a popular eatery for many years to come.
During the 1950s he also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Bryan Fire Department and was active in the Bryan Chamber of Commerce, being one of the principal promoters of the railroad underpass on North Main Street.
He was a Williams County Deputy Sheriff for many years, starting as a special deputy and retiring in 1988 with the rank of Major, overseeing the jail. After retirement he was a correction consultant at Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio (C.C.N.O.) regional jail. In retirement he also worked as a part-time salesman with Carroll-Ames Hardware until the store closed in 2003. His memberships included the Fellowship Degree at Bryan Moose Lodge #1064, Bryan Eagles Aerie #2233, a Life member of the NRA and a member of Bryan American Legion Post #284.
Richard married Patsy Ann (Blakely) Snyder on August 21, 1966, in Bryan and she survives. Surviving in addition to his wife are his stepchildren, Todd Snyder, of Maumee, Ohio, Debra (Michael)Snyder Flory, of Paw Paw, Michigan, and Karen Snyder Pahl, of Canton, Michigan; his brother, Maurice (Deloris) Thierry, of Aurora, Illinois; a half brother, Roger (Jane) Thierry, of Delta, Ohio; a stepbrother, Charles (Timi) Allison, of Stryker, Ohio; a stepsister, Patricia Zwayer, of Tulsa Oklahoma; eight grandchildren, Peter Mattner, Kellie Pugh, Tara Lechenet, Tyson Snyder, Travis Snyder, Michael Flory, Taylor Pahl and Justin Pahl; five great-grandchildren, Brianna Pugh, Kayleigh Pugh, Colt Mattner, Silas Snyder and Maddox Snyder; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Deloris.
Visitation will be held in the Krill Funeral Home, 860 West Mulberry Street, Bryan, on Thursday, October 18, 2018, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 P.M. in the Krill Funeral Home, Bryan, with Pastor Roger Blough officiating. Interment will follow in Fountain Grove Cemetery with grave side military rites conducted by Bryan American Legion Post #88 and the United States Army Honor Guard.
Memorials are requested to Bryan Senior Center.