Richard H. Chenoweth

Richard H. Chenoweth, 90, passed away at 11:25 a.m. May 20, 2022 at the Wapakoneta Manor, with his family by his side.  He was born on May 4, 1932, in Aurora, Illinois to Alan B. & Lorene G. (Peterson) Chenoweth Sr., who have preceded him in death.  On February 19, 1955, he married Norma Jean Truss, who passed away on May 23, 2021.

Survivors include his four children, Vivian & Rick Howard, of Brandon, FL, Jeff Chenoweth, of Lancaster, Rick & Kim Chenoweth, of Wapakoneta, and Mary Lorene Chenoweth, of West Unity; ten grandchildren, Kyle, Leslie, Matt, Rachel, Becky, Sara, Angie, Hannah, Michael, and Michelle; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Debbie Chenoweth; brother, Alan B. Chenoweth Jr.; and sisters, Sylvia R. Schuerman and Jean E. Chenoweth.

Richard was serving in the United States Air Force, specializing in data statistics, when he met Womens Air Corp member, Jean.  He proudly served for twenty years, before retiring as a Master Sergeant on August 31, 1970.  Dick then attended the Lima Technical College, while working third shift at the TA truck stop, graduating with an associate’s degree in finance.  He put that degree to work by opening the Pit Stop ice cream shop in Wapakoneta, running it with his wife for many years, before turning it over to his brother.  An extremely hard worker, Richard expected the same from his children, one of the may traits he passed down to them.  In his free time, he enjoyed going to the movies, especially the Wapa Theatre.  He was also a skilled woodworker, putting his talents to use on many home projects.  However, he will be remembered most as an artist.  Every day possible, Dick could be found in his attic art studio, doing what he loved most… creating art.  While stationed with the Air Force in Germany, he was able to study under a German master artist.  Most known for his pen & ink style, he dabbled in other mediums as well.  His artwork graced the backdrops of the Wapakoneta Theatre Guild and the walls of Riverside Art Center.  He was a member of First English Lutheran Church.  Richard was a quiet man, content with the small, still moments of life. 

Services will begin at 5:00 p.m. Monday, May 23, 2022 at Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services.  Vicar Deborah Monnin will officiate.  Friends may call from 3:00 p.m. until the time of services Monday at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.