Richard Paul Theaker
Richard Paul Theaker passed from this life to the next on February 27, 2021 in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Richard was born to Judd Theaker and Ida (Zudwitz) Theaker on July 30, 1923 in Mansfield.
After graduating from Mansfield High School in 1941, Richard saw combat in Europe in World War II as a member of the 71st Infantry Division. He retired as a Captain from the Mansfield Fire Department in 1975 and from Therm-O-Disc in 1987.
The outdoors was his passion. Richard was an ardent duck hunter and fisherman, and he helped found the Mansfield Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. He was also a devoted Ohio State football fan and took great pride that his three sons graduated from that university. Richard was also an excellent cook, taking great pleasure in serving up to his family and friends the ducks, pheasants, Lake Erie perch and walleye he brought back from his outdoor expeditions.
Richard is survived by his children Paul (Jean) Theaker of Mansfield; Nancy (William) Fletcher of West Lafayette, Indiana; Kathy (Keith) Welch of Lexington; Brian (Laura) Theaker of Placerville, California; and Terrance (Brittany) Theaker of Danville, Kentucky. He is also survived by grandchildren Chris Eckert; Melanie (Michael) Davis; Holly (Tim) Holmes; Aaron (Erin) Welch; David Theaker; Nolan (Emily) Theaker; Jeffrey, Monique, Rosa and Jude Theaker; and Jada Kay Maples. Richard is also survived by great-grandchildren Abigail Kaufman; Chloe and Jarod Davis; Logan Eckert; Natalie and Jillian Holmes; Josephine and Anthony Welch; and Theodore Felix. Finally, he is survived by great-great-grandchildren Annabelle Burchett and Kaden Kaufman.
Richard was predeceased by his high-school sweetheart wife of 68 years, Betty; an infant son, David Mark; his parents; sister Mildred; and brother Lee and sister-in-law Millie.
In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made to First English Lutheran Church, Mansfield, or Ducks Unlimited. The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the Theaker family.
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