Raymond H. Risden

1936 - 2018

Raymond H. Risden 1936-2018

Age 82, of North Canton, was put to death by the following tyrants who planned a slow death for me, Lucky Strike, Phillip Morris, Marlboro and Chester Field. Their weapon of choice was nicotine that is liberally used on smokers. Although I have to take some blame for letting this happen, I pray that all smokers of tobacco quit and save themselves as soon as possible.

After suffering many years, I finally passed away from the deadly wounds to my lungs on May 16, 2018. I was born in Dillonvale, Ohio on January 25, 1936 to the late Wetzel and Aileen Risden. I am preceded in death by four brothers, Wetzel E., David, John and Richard Risden; two sisters, Mary Risden Earley-Poplin and Muriel Risden Eakin-Best. I am survived by my beloved wife, Shirley, whom God blessed me with for 59 years and three children; my daughters, Kathleen Risden (Mike) Swan, Sharon Risden (Aaron) Geis; and son, Raymond M. (Mel(fiancé)) Risden. My grandchildren, Rose (Dana) Keck, Nicolas Dovidio, Raymond (Jennifer Dovidio), Jerrica (Greg) Grace, Ethan Swan, April (Tony) Stepp, Misty (Tom) Frevold, Ruby (Corey) James, Anja Risden, and Raymond A. Risden; great grandchildren, Christinana, Brandon, Kristion, Madison, Kaden, Alexis, Lindsey, Ariana, Ryan, Nikko, April-Rae, and Galaxson; numerous nieces and nephews.

I served in the U.S. Marines for 3 years 3 months and 18 days active duty and was a member of the American Legion Post #44, Canton, Ohio. I retired from the East Ohio Gas Company as the Wooster district manager in 1995 after 38 years. My memberships and community activities were: The Greater Canton Chamber of Commerce, served on the board of directors of the Victory Economic Development Corp. and Pyramid Inc., chairman of the board of the Stark County Council on drug abuse and the board of the Better Business Bureau, member and past vice president of the Stark County Personnel Assoc., member of the Canton and Massillon Urban League's the N.A.A. C.P, the Wooster and Orville Chambers of Commerce, served on the board of directors of Junior Achievement of Wayne County. I served as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for the Stark County Sheriff's Department from 1965 to 1985. I was a member of the World Tae-Kwon-Do Assoc. and the American Judo Assoc., holding black belts in both Judo and Tae-Kwon-Do. I have always believed that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and the Living Son of God the Father. I thank God for blessing me so abundantly with my family and many friends while on earth. I ask for forgiveness from anyone I may have offended during my time on earth. I thank my dearly beloved wife, Shirley, for the care and love she gave me over the years; I was truly blessed to have her in my life. I would like to thank my doctor, Lawrence Penvose, D.O. as well as Crossroads Hospice for the care they have given to me. God bless them all.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday in the Spiker-Foster-Shriver Funeral Home, 4817 Cleveland Ave. N.W. with my old friend, Pastor Tom Williams of the Liberty Baptist Church officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Friends may call 5-7 p.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Liberty Baptist Church, 2349 Southway Street S.E., Massillon, Ohio 44646, in care of Pastor Tom Williams. You may sign the guest book at: shriverfuneralhomes.com.

Shriver Funeral Homes & Cremation Service

330-455-0349

Shriverfuneralhomes.com