Richard Y. McPherson

Richard “Dick” Yost McPherson, age 87, formerly of Dover and New Philadelphia, a well known former businessman, and longtime church leader, died peacefully Thursday evening, April 4, 2007 at Massillon, Ohio.Born at Akron, Ohio, July 15, 1919, he was a son of the late George R. McPherson and Odessa B. Yost McPherson. Dick graduated from Akron Buchtel High School and in August 1942, entered the United States Army. Throughout World War II, he was a member of the Fist Battalion, 185th Infantry. Most of his time was spent in the Pacific Theatre where Corporal McPherson earned four bronze stars while stationed in the Southern Philippines. He returned to Ohio upon his discharge on October 2, 1945. Together with the late Jack Morgan, Dick formed the former Morgan & McPherson Plumbing Company which operated from 1952 until 1976. He then became director of buildings and grounds for Snyder Laboratories until his retirement in 1984.Mr. McPherson was very active in First Christian Church where he served as a Deacon, a member of the board of trustees, sang in the church choir, and attended Sunday School as a member of the Master Builders class. With a servant’s heart, Dick quietly gave of his time whenever and wherever needed. Gifted with his hands he helped friends and family with home projects of all sizes. Dick’s family includes the love of his life and wife sixty-five years, the former Louise Lile, who now resides at Canton, Ohio, their daughter; Sue A. (husband Mark) Mathieu, of Massillon, Ohio, a son; Terry L. McPherson, of Canton, four grandchildren; Meredith (husband Brian) Bailey, Mark (wife Lisa) Mathieu, all of Massillon, Ohio, Shannon (husband Charlie) Bulina of Columbus, Ohio, and Shawn (wife Stacey) McPherson of Canton, Ohio. Six great-grandchildren; Lauren and Allyson Bailey, Nathan and Jessica Mathieu all of Massillon, Ohio, Austin Bulina of Columbus, Ohio, and Brooke McPherson of Canton, Ohio, and a very well thought of niece; Nancy (husband Mark) Gibson of Chino Hills, California, complete the family. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Richmond, and his twin brother, William K. McPherson. Friends are invited to call Saturday afternoon from Noon Â? 2PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover where Pastor Jim Borton will lead the McPherson Funeral at 2PM. Cremation will follow the service. A flag commemorating Dick’s service to his country will fly at half-staff over the Geib Funeral Center at Dover on Saturday during the service. Members of the VFW military honor guard will fold and present the flag, and render military honors to his family at the conclusion of the service. Family and friends will gather for a reception following the military tribute. The McPherson family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Salvation Army, 301 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, OH 44622.