obit art 5Richard “Dick” Dean Harrison, 86, of Scio, Ohio went to be with the Lord on March 25, 2015 while remaining at home in the care of his family, aided by Tuscarawas County Community Hospice. Richard was a life-long resident of Scio. He was born October 20, 1928 to Byron William Harrison and Susan Crawford Harrison. He graduated from Scio High School in 1946. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Byron of Scio in 1931, Gene F. of Sugarcreek in 1982 and Robert of Cadiz in 1994.

Surviving is his wife of 66 years, Mary Jean Simmons Harrison of the home. They were married October 15, 1948 in Scio United Methodist Church by Rev. Herbert Shiltz. Richard is also survived by one son Donald Dean Harrison and wife Elizabeth “Betty” Donohue Harrison of West Lafayette, two grandchildren Jean Ann Harrison Bowman and husband Alva Gregory Bowman of Port Orange, Florida and Byron William Harrison and partner Brian Klinksiek of London, England; one great grandson Alva William “Will” Bowman of Port Orange, Florida; one nephew James Harrison and wife Nancy of Sugarcreek.

Richard was a member of the Scio Presbyterian Church where he was active over the years as Sunday School Superintendent, Deacon, Elder and Trustee. He was a rural mail carrier for 20 years and a member of the Rural Mail Carrier’s Association. He was also very active in the Dining Fork Ruritan Club of Scio for over 41 years serving as past President, Treasurer, Chaplain and on the Board of Directors. He attended several State Ruritan and National Ruritan conventions. In 2002 he was recognized as Dining Fork Ruritan of the year and in 2013 he received the Dining Fork Ruritan Citizen of the year. He was a past member of the Scio VFD, Scio Village Council and the Knights of Pythia. Richard was a stock car enthusiast and an avid NASCAR fan.

Richard’s other employment included West End Motors, Harrison-Haun Motors, Schreiner Ford, Scio Motor Company, Harrison Auto Sales, Roger’s Sales and Service and Scio Pottery Co. A WWII veteran, he served in the US Army from July 9, 1946 to November 13, 1947 and subsequently in the US Army Reserves from 1949-1960. He was also a member of the Scio American Legion Post #482.

Services will be held Monday at 11 am in Koch Funeral Home, 101 W Main St., Scio. Friends may call Saturday from 5-8 pm and one hour prior to the service on Monday from 10-11 at the funeral home. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Scio. Military graveside services will be conducted by the Scio American Legion Post #482. Memorial contributions may be made to Scio Presbyterian Church, PO Box 363, Scio 43988 or Community Hospice of Tusc. Co., 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, 44663