Richard Cairns

Richard Cairns, age 83, died peacefully following a brief illness on Friday, April 18, 2014. He was surrounded by his immediate family in the comfort of his own home located on his beloved family farm at Dellroy, a place he has called home for the past 50 years.

A son of the late Ward M. and Effie (Brothers) Cairns, Dick, as he was known to family and friends, was born at North Industry, Ohio on July 30, 1930.

He attended East Canton High School and was drafted into the United States Army in 1951. He honorably served the Army as an MP during the Korean War and was proud to have had the opportunity to serve his country just as his father had during World War I; and his brother during World War II. Dick remained a patriotic individual for the remainder of life, as he was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 3301 and enjoyed attending various veterans’ events during Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. Additionally, Dick was a 29 year member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2199.

Dick was a farmer all of his life and turned to farming as a fulltime occupation following his retirement from Macomber Steel at Louisville in 1974. With his family at his side, he enjoyed overseeing, growing, and working the day to day operations of the family farm.

He greatly loved his family and will be deeply missed by his wife, the former Frances Cochran, whom he married on September 25, 1954. Fran was the love of his life through happiness and heartache and remained by his side until the end. Other survivors include their three children, Jeanne (Larry) Strawder, Rodney (Darlene) Cairns, and Brian (Tammy) Cairns all of Carroll County; grandchildren, Michael (Sherri) Lewis, Chris Lewis, Shannon Cairns, Amber Cairns, Emily (fiancé, Ben Hall) Cairns, Haley Cairns, a step-granddaughter, Laura (Al) Liber; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Kutcher, Kayla Lewis, and a step-granddaughter, Delaney Liber.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his brother, Ward Cairns and three grandchildren, Jess Lewis, Aaron Cairns, and Devon Cairns.

Dick was a private man who valued honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic and lived his life to the end in his own way.

The family will greet guests one hour prior to a casual memorial service on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 from 4-5 PM in the Dellroy Community Hall at Main Street, Dellroy, where Pastor Kari Lankford will lead a service in his memory at 5 PM. Immediately following the service, all are invited to join the family for a time of food and fellowship and sharing of memories in the Dellroy Community Hall. Additionally, those who were unable to attend prior to the service are invited to join in the fellowship as food will be served until 7:00 PM. Cremation care has been conducted by Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory.

The family requests memorial contributions in memory of Dick be directed to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.