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1933 - 2025

Richard K. Brackin

1933 - 2025

Obituary

Guest Book

BORN

1933

DIED

2025

About

Ohio University

Richard K. Brackin Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 1, 2025.

Richard K. Brackin aged 92, was born in Carroll County, Ohio on April 15, 1933 and died on August 27, 2025 at Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio. He was educated in Carrollton, Ohio, Public Schools and went on to achieve a Master's Degree and a Ph.D. from Ohio University. He worked in higher education at Capital University, Ohio University and in Hong Kong.

Richard was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church in Athens, Ohio, where he was a member of the choir. He was a charter member of the Tea Leaf Club International and enjoyed collecting pieces of Tea Leaf china along with other antiques. Richard loved traveling and made many friends around the world.

Brackin was preceded in death by his parents, Donna Jane (Slates) and Earl William Brackin, infant brother, sister, E. Valda Holzapfel, and life partner, Carroll A. Hamilton. He is survived by brother, Larry K. Brackin, nieces Karen (Holzapfel) Blickley and Rena (Brackin) Brook, nephews Steven and Scott Holzapfel, and William E. Brackin. He also leaves behind many close friends from around the world.

Richard willed his body to medical education. He will be interred in the Memory Garden at Christ Lutheran Church in Athens, Ohio. A celebration of life will be held on a date to be announced.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Capital University Organ Endowment Fund or to the Christ Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.

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Recent Activity

September 27, 2025

Roberta Goldfarb posted to the memorial.

September 18, 2025

Gale A Frederick posted to the memorial.

September 17, 2025

Rachel Lawson posted to the memorial.

10 Entries

Roberta Goldfarb

September 27, 2025

I've known Dick since he became my undergraduate advisor in 1971 but within a short time he had also become my friend. I remember lots of gourmet meals with him and his friends, going to the symphony in Columbus many times, going to parties with him...but he truly saved my life at a time when I needed a friend and mentor. I have sent him Mother's Day cards over the years as that is the role he played in my life. I last had contact with him in July via email planning to see him when I next wound up in Ohio. I am so glad to see Carroll Hamilton listed as his life partner. I met him at a time when he could not publicly admit that. I will miss Dick terribly. Travel well sweetie...

Gale A Frederick

September 18, 2025

So sorry to read this. Dick will be sadly missed. We travelled together to a Tea Leaf auction in Iowa many years along. Had a great time.

Rachel Lawson

September 17, 2025

"Uncle Dickie" was a blessing to this world. A kind soul with a warm laugh. He is missed!

Carolyn Allen

September 16, 2025

Dick was so important to me personally and in our work together. We shared many memorable times-Precollege and other University College endeavors. He taught me to hug often and generously. Our gourmet group meals remain legendary. Thank you, Dickie!

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John Carter

September 15, 2025

Dick was a fellow resident at Kensington Place for six years. He was my best friend and was an inspiration to me. He was a real presence to all of the residents and staff, and was truly a servant of God and of others. Rev. Donald Luck and I are planning a remembrance service here at Kensington to celebrate his life.

Sam Hanson

September 8, 2025

Dick loved traveling with a group from church to Honduras and caring for the kids at Montaña de Luz. These are some photos from his last trip there in March of 2013.

Rena (Brackin) Brook

September 2, 2025

Our Uncle Dick was a force of nature; unstoppable, unforgettable and a burst of energy and light. He has always been and will continue to be the voice that guides me. I will cherish him always.