Richard M. "Dick" Thatcher

Richard M."Dick" Thatcher, age 80 of Dublin, Ohio, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ surrounded by loving family on Saturday, October 13, 2018. He was born in Dayton, Ohio on December 11, 1937 to Samuel and Bertha Thatcher. He grew up on their family farm in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Dick received his BS in Education from Ashland University. He taught history, Phys Ed, coached basketball, baseball, and football, impacting the lives of many middle and high school students. He later served his students and their families as a guidance counselor after receiving his MA in Psychology and Guidance Counseling from Ball State University. After 17 years of teaching and coaching, he began working for Jostens selling imprinted sportswear throughout the state of Ohio and distinguished himself as one of their top salesman. Dick was an entrepreneur, an adventurer, and a mentor to many. He was a much loved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved sports, he loved people and he loved life. He was a man of faith and served at Meadow Park Church for over 30 years as a greeter, usher, softball coach, Sunday School teacher, Men’s Ministry leader and the Powell Campus Launch Team. In all ways to all people Dick was known for his generosity of spirit and resources. He never met a stranger and he was always ready and willing to help someone in need. As much as Dick loved all people nothing could compare to his love for his family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Bertha Thatcher; father and mother- in- law, William and Cheryl Dotson; sisters-in-law, Denise Dotson and Donna Baldt; and granddaughter, Sarah Ruth Butler. He is survived by his wife, Diane (Dotson)Thatcher; children, Barbara (Randy) Butler, and Greg (Janet) Thatcher; brother, Jim (Beth) Thatcher; grandchildren, Amanda (Todd) Hartman, Whitney (Corey) Nickerson, Joshua (Emilie) Butler, Kevin (Morgan) Butler, Mary Kate Thatcher, Samuel Thatcher, and Joseph Thatcher; great-grandchildren, Westin and Landen Hartman, Mayah Butler, Everly Nickerson and Jinora Butler; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill (Cindy) Dotson, Jim (Beth) Dotson, Tom Baldt, John (Gina) Dotson, and Dorothy (Mike) Moser; many nieces, nephews, and family of the heart. Friends may call Thursday, October 25, 2018 from 2-4PM and 6-8PM at RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME AT POWELL, 450 W. Olentangy St. Powell, OH 43065. Funeral service will be held Friday, October 26, 2018 at 11AM at Meadow Park Church of God; 2425 Bethel Rd. Columbus, OH 43220. Pastor Mark Krenz, officiating. Inurnment Saturday, October 27 in Akron, Ohio. Donations may be made to Meadow Park Church or Ohio Health Hospice. To leave a condolence for the family visit www.rutherfordfuneralhome.com.

Richard M. "Dick" Thatcher

December 11, 1937 - October 13, 2018