Don Roberge

Feb. 28, 1930–Oct. 27, 2021

Robert Doc Nelson Richmond

Angels escorted Robert Nelson “Doc” Richmond to Heaven on October 27th, 2021.  He was surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of his home.  “Doc,” as he was best known, was born on February 28th, 1930, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Marjorie (Wheaton) and Thomas  C. Richmond.  He graduated from Chardon High School in 1948 and attended The Ohio State University from 1948-1953, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

He entered the United States Air Force through the very first Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corp (AFROTC) cadre at Ohio State. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and selected for Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT). He became a pilot of the KC-97 Stratofreighter aerial refueling tanker upon graduation. Doc absolutely loved flying and though he had to give up his beloved Aircoupe several years ago, his last airplane ride over Morgan County was only just a year ago this month thanks to Shrivers’ Hospice Foundation.

He served our country until 1956.  He then returned to The Ohio State University, having been accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine, where he earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.  His first career path took Doc and Sally to Meadville, PA, where he worked in a 3-man veterinary practice from 1960-1961.  In April 1961, Doc, Sally, Diana, and Patty moved to Malta to begin their new life in southeastern Ohio.  He was the Morgan County Sanitarian from 1962-1970. Balancing the young veterinary practice, family, and full-time Sanitarian job 7 days a week was challenging.  In 1970, their veterinary practice began full-time. After 53 years of practice, he begrudgingly retired in 2013 at the age of 83. He adored and loved his last dog, Sonny, during his final days.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of McConnelsville where he served as Trustee, Sunday School Superintendent, Session member and sang bass in the choir for 60 plus years.

He was a member of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association from 1960-2013. A member of the Southeastern Ohio Academy of Veterinary Medicine, a representative to the Ohio Veterinary Board of Trustees for District 9, and a member of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board from 1974-1978.

He was a lifetime member of the Malta-McConnelsville Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow, presented the Rotary Scholarships to Morgan High School seniors each May, and he, Sally and the girls were the host-family for several exchange students through the Rotary’s Youth Exchange program.

Doc was instrumental in organizing the Morgan County Historical Society (MCHS) in 1969 and was a long standing member and its president for many years.  He delighted in the Society’s various projects including co-chairing the 1976 Bicentennial Commission, commemorating the Big Bottom Massacre, moving the Rock Hollow School to Malta, assisting with the Morgan County Atlas, involved in the Blacksmith Shop, Wagon Shed, Button House Museum and Bell House.  In 2017, he proudly dedicated a statue of Revolutionary War General Daniel Morgan, after which Morgan County was named. The statue, welded by local artist, David Griesmyer, depicts General Morgan’s wife, Abigail Curry, teaching him how to read and write.  The statue is permanently located at the Kate Love Simpson Library.

He was the President of the Morgan County Reenactors Association who took over the planning and organizing of the annual Civil War Encampment Days in 1993 from the MCHS. For 25 consecutive years, an average of 200 reenactors came from all over the midwest to participate and several thousand came to the county to see the event. The battle was held on the Richmond Farm.

He was on the Morgan County Airport Authority for decades and served as President for many years.  During his time on the Airport Authority, hangers were built on the property, hiking trails were developed for the Boy and Girl Scouts, multiple annual Air Days for the public, giving airplane rides and hosting aerial demonstrations to promote general aviation.

Doc was a member of the Kate Love Simpson Library Board from 1971-2020.  He was President of the Board beginning in May 1994 through December 2010.  Under his leadership, the current McConnelsville Library location was built beginning in 1995, and Chesterhill Library, within the Union Hall Theatre was renovated and expanded beginning 1999.  Also, during his nearly 50 years as a Library Trustee, Doc helped expand outreach services by acquiring a bookmobile, recognized Veterans by coordinating the Veterans Walk of Honor, along with many other accomplishments.  The Dr. Robert Richmond Community Room, now located within the McConnelsville Library, is a tribute to Doc and all he contributed to our libraries and communities.

He was on the Board of Trustees for the Morgan County Opera House which, with Sally in tow, would go once a week and see every movie.  He worked with his fellow trustees to Incorporate the Opera House to promote and preserve it for all future generations.
In 2010, Doc was inducted into Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame in Columbus, OH.

He was also a member of Valley Lodge 145, the Scottish Rite, Aladdin Shrine, Morgan County Full House Players Theater Troope, Malta Business Association, Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, Farm Bureau, Lakeside Riding Club, Home Health Advisory Board President, Morgan County Community Choir, loved volunteering as an art teacher for the Two Bridges Program and a neighborhood Card Club who played euchre once a month for over 40 years.

He is survived by his wife Sally, his daughters Diana (Stanley) Markus (Oconomowoc, WI), Patty (Bill) Glaze (Zanesville, OH), and Bonnie (William) Burckel (Colorado Springs, CO);  nine grandchildren, Jayme Markus (Chicago, IL), Charlie Markus (Pasadena CA), Victor Markus (Baltimore, MD), Emma Glaze (Columbus, OH), Kara Glaze (Athens, OH, William Burckel (Bremerton, WA), Jessica Burckel (Matthew) Balderson (Midland, TX), Benjamin Burckel (Seattle, WA), and Joseph Burckel .(Toledo, OH); Niece, Amy Line (Malta, OH);  nephew, John Line (Bartlesville,OK);  great-nephew, Andrew Line (Lebanon, OH). In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his brother, Thomas C. Richmond; and sister, Nancy Richmond Line.

Due to renovations at the First Presbyterian Church of McConnelsville, calling hours and the Celebration of Life service were held at the Church of the Gospel Ministry of McConnelsville. (The family selected this place of worship due to their cousin, Amy Line, Doc & Sally’s primary caregiver since 2016, being a member.  We owe a debt of gratitude to this wonderful congregation for accommodating the Richmond Family).  Calling hours were held from 10am - 1pm on Saturday, October 30th, 2021. The Masonic Service began at 1pm. Full military honors were rendered. After the Masonic service, the Celebration of Life service was held at 1:30pm.

Doc was laid to rest at the First Congregational Church of Claridon, Geauga County, Ohio, where he and Sally were married sixty-five years ago this past June. A graveside service for family and close friends was held on Sunday, October 31st, 2021, at 1pm. Contributions to the First Presbyterian Church of McConnelsville were requested in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.miller-huck.com.

The family wishes to express the most sincere and heartfelt thank you to the people of  Morgan County for their love and support.