Richard "Dick" Eugene Gatchell

Richard Eugene “Dick” Gatchell, 87, of Gnadenhutten, was called home to the Lord on Thursday, December 10, 2020, from the Community Hospice Truman House in New Philadelphia. Born September 4, 1933 in a log cabin in Mill Twp. near Uhrichsville, he was a son of the late Clarence Eugene and Aletha Hannah (Stahl) Gatchell. The last of his family’s generation, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Betty Gatchell, Wilma Gilmore and Ronald Gatchell.

After attending Uhrichsville High School, Dick proudly served his country in the U. S. Army during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he began his 34 year career with the former Warner & Swasey (now Gradall) where he was an overhead crane operator. He was also a member of the Gnadenhutten Volunteer Fire Department for 24 years, and in retirement, he drove bus for Indian Valley Schools for 14 years. In his younger years, Dick was an avid hunter, and later he enjoyed camping and fishing. He loved to cook for his family, especially on holidays.

Dick was a longtime, faithful member of Countryside Baptist Church in Port Washington where he was active in the life of his congregation in many ways. He served as the Church Treasurer and as a Trustee for 18 years, was the Sound Operator for 30 years and had also been the Bus Captain.

On June 7, 1959, Dick married the former Sandra Jean Walker with whom he has enjoyed over 60 years of marriage. He is survived by their children, Mike (Nancy) Gatchell, Brian (fiancée, Hope Johnson) Gatchell, and Kevin (wife, Jeanette, deceased) Gatchell; 7 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by a great-grandson, Aurelius “Ray-Ray” Gatchell.

Services, officiated by Pastor Paul Harvey, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, at Countryside Baptist Church in Port Washington with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., prior to the funeral. Interment will follow in Gnadenhutten-Clay Union Cemetery in Gnadenhutten with a Fire Department Honor Guard and Military Committal Service. Those wishing to honor his memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to Community Hospice.