Richard F. Foote

Richard F. Foote

Longtime Kent resident, Richard F. (Dick) Foote, died early Sunday morning.

He was the son of Freeman Foote and Grace Merrill Foote. He was 87 years old. He served in the United States Marine Corps in the South Pacific. He was awarded the Silver Star for his service on Okinawa. On his return he rekindled his relationship with high school classmate Betty Moreland and they married in May of 1947. They have seven children: Mary Kay Kilgore (Peter) of Las Vegas, Nevada, Fred (Carol) of Cincinnati, Beth of San Francisco, California, Richard (Diane) of Aurora, Barbara Springer (Dan) of Lakeport, California, Jim (Deb) of Winder, Georgia, and Carol (Brian White) of Kent. They have 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Dick was very proud of his family. His paternal ancestors included the Haymakers and the Thorndykes, among the earliest Portage County settlers. His maternal grandfather, Frank Merrill, was a founder of Kent State University. Anyone meeting Dick for the first time or speaking to him after an absence would likely be regaled with stories of his children"s or his grandchildren"s accomplishments.

Dick retired after a long career with Goodyear Aerospace where he was a purchasing agent. He was a longstanding member of the United Church of Christ.

Dick was an avid fisherman and hunter. He and Betty regularly spent a part of their summers in Thousand Islands, New York. His gardening expertise provided family, friends and Earl Avenue neighbors with a bountiful supply of produce.

Dick loved his family, his community, his university, and his country.

Though his last five years brought a gradual decline in health and vitality, he and Betty were able to maintain their independence in their Earl Avenue residence with the incredible support of daughter Carol. Dick bore his decline with dignity and humor.

Calling hours will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 19th at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home in Kent. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, August 20th at United Church of Christ of Kent, with Rev. David Pattee officiating. Burial will be at Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent. Memorial contributions may be made to Freedom House (Kent, Ohio), c/o 705 Oakwood Street, Ravenna, OH 44266 or United Way of Portage County, 218 W Main Street, Ravenna, OH 44266.