Richard E. Sharrock

Richard Eugene Sharrock, 92, of Elyria, Ohio went to walk with Jesus March 22, 2023. Richard was born April 26, 1930 in Newcomerstown, Ohio to the late Earl and Jessie Sharrock. Throughout their marriage he and his wife enjoyed traveling the globe as well as attending the theater. He is survived by sons, Steven Richard Sharrock of Massillon and Kirk Alan Sharrock (Machelle) of Marysville; daughter Melody Carol Sharrock of Elyria and grandchildren Jacob Dyer, Arianna Dyer, Elizabeth Sharrock, Jonathan Sharrock. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Carol Lourene (nee Rice) Sharrock, of Jackson Ohio; brothers, Chester, Bernard, Raymond and Max Sharrock, and sisters, Mildred Grady and Marjorie Stocker. Richard was a 1948 graduate of Newcomerstown High School where he participated in choir, band, cheerleading, and drama and provided the records for school dances. From 1953 to 1955, he was a member of the United States Army where he taught and served in Okinawa. In 1953, he graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor's degree in Education, majoring in speech and elementary education and was an active participant in the Wesley Players of the Wesley Foundation, with whom he also served as president and musical director. He received his Masters in Education in Elementary Administration from Kent State University in 1957. He continued his education in Elementary Supervision and Administration at The Ohio State University in addition to gaining an Education Specialist and Administration degree through the University of Colorado, Boulder in 1964. He was also a member of the education honors society Kappa Delta Pi. Richard began his Education career as an elementary school teacher from 1955-1957 in the Maple Heights City School District. He became an assistant principal and half-time elementary school teacher at Spring Valley Elementary school in the Elyria School District from 1957-1960 and became principal of Spring Valley and served from 1960-1963. He was given the honor of opening Windsor Elementary School as the school's first principal and was affectionately known as "The Duke of Windsor." He would remain at his favorite occupation until he retired in 1990 after serving 27 of his 36 years in education as principal of Windsor Elementary School. He was very proud and had fond memories of initiating the annual school talent show as well as leading the staff and students in God Bless America at the assemblies. Richard was a Charter member of Community United Methodist Church and served on various committees and sang in the men's chorus. He was a life time member of The National Association of Elementary School Administrators, Phi Delta Kappa, National Educators Association and the Ohio Education Association. He was also a member of the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators, the Lorain County Elementary Principals Association (president), the Elyria Association of Elementary School Administrators and the Elyria Education Association (president). He participated in initiating the Head Start program in Elyria and was a consultant for the beginning of the four year degree programs at LCCC. His hobbies were enjoying musicals with family and friends, putting puzzles together, eating popcorn, playing Hazi (Bid Euchre), and reading about politics. Friends will be received Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 1:00 pm until the time of a 3:00 pm funeral service at Community United Methodist Church, 680 North Abbe Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035. Reverend Kevin L. Coleman will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community United Methodist Church. Arrangements are in the care of Dicken Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Elyria. For online condolences, visit www.dickenfuneralhome.com