Richard T. Neikirk

Richard T. Neikirk, 96, passed away suddenly February 23, 2021 yes, suddenly. He was playing bingo, cracking jokes and complaining about wearing his mask last Thursday. He was really planning on making it to 100, no kidding.

Born in Zanesville, Ohio in 1924, he enrolled at Capital University to study music. After a year in college, he stepped away for over 3 years to volunteer in the U.S. Army to serve his country in World War II. He spent that time in the UK, and France. Upon returning from service, he finished his degree at Capital University, and then received a Masters Degree from Northwestern University. He taught at Whitehall City Schools for 30 years until his retirement in 1982. Retired for almost 40 years, that's a nice retirement!

He got to see his children grow up, become husbands and wife, become parents and also grandparents.

He spent the last few years at The Middleton Senior Living, where he was so happy to be. The love, care and attention he received was incredible. THANK YOU, FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS!

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Blanche Neikirk; brother, Kent Neikirk; wives, Ruth Neikirk of 22 years and Eva (Haugen) Neikirk 35 years.

Richard is survived by his children, Stephen (Cindy) Neikirk, Bruce (Lisa) Neikirk, Tim (Cheryll) Haugen and Mary (Tim) Dunsmore; grandchildren, Samanatha (Kevin) Lloyd, Erin (Dillon Dawson, fiancee) Neikirk, Conlin Neikirk, Lucas Neikirk, Caleb (Kay) Haugen, Jared (PJ) Haugen, Josiah Haugen, Cassie Dunsmore, Evan Dunsmore and Trevor Dunsmore; great-grandchildren, Brynley, Gracie, Ansley and Carleigh.

Richard’s family will receive friends on Monday, March 1, 2021 from 12 Noon to 1:00pm at the Cotner Funeral Home, 7369 East Main St. Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 where his funeral service will be held at 1:00pm with Pastor Craig Martens officiating. Interment Glen Rest Memorial Estates.

Memorial donations in Richard’s memory may be made to: The Church of Saint Edwards, 214 Fairway Blvd. Whitehall, OH 43213.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard T. Neikirk, please visit our floral store.