Richard M. Dutton

Richard M. Dutton of Dover died Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at Aultman Hospital in Canton following a brief illness. He would have been 72 on August 24th.Born in Uhrichsville, Ohio, in 1932, he was the son of the late Gerald M. and Ella M. Homman Dutton.Following his l951 graduation from New Philadelphia High School, where he had been the NPHS drum major, Richard enlisted in the United States Navy and became a career naval officer. On active duty during both the Korean War and the Vietnam War, he served on the USS Bronstein, the USS Carter Hall, the USS Nereus, and the USS Boyd, and served two years of shore duty in Japan. He later served as a Navy recruiter in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was honorably discharged as a Chief Warrant Officer.Following his military discharge, Richard continued his career as a mechanic at McKnight Trucks, Gibbs Chevrolet, Yanders Garage, Mart Sand Pontiac, and Walton’s Auto Parts and Glass Shop.He was a devoted family man, celebrating 50 years of marriage to the former Eleanor Meyer on November 13, 2003. His favorite times were spent with his three daughters and later with their families. Known as the definitive handy-man, Richard was often called on by family and friends to supervise or complete a variety of projects. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s ballgames and sharing evenings with friends. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, the Military Officers Association of America, and the United States Navy Memorial Foundation.Richard will be missed by his wife; his daughters, Jamie (Thomas) Dillon of New Philadelphia, Barbara (Rich) Bleininger of Dover, and Beth (Steve) Schwab of New Philadelphia; grandchildren, Jennifer Dillon, Patrick (Brittany) Dillon, Christopher Dillon, Cate Kail, Samantha Schwab, and Danielle Schwab; step-grandchildren, Daniel Bleininger and Heather (Brian) Page; great-grandchildren, Madeline Dillon and Easton Dillon, step-great-grandchild, Logan Page; brother, Logan (Jeanne) Dutton of Sarasota, FL; and several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Harold.Visitation will be Sunday, August 15, 2004 between 6:00 and 8:00 pm at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory. Services will be Monday, August 16, 2004, at 10:30 am in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Glen Shedlock officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Burial Park where military services will be conducted by the New Philadelphia VFW. Following the committal, a reception at the Geib Family Center will give friends and family an opportunity to share special memories.Memorial contributions to honor Richard’s life may be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. Third Street, Dover, OH 44622.