Richard Clyde Luyster

Richard Clyde Luyster, age 83 of 27970 Alexander Ridge Road, Freeport, Ohio 43973 died peacefully at 3:05 a.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in Park Health Center, St. Clairsville (Belmont County) Ohio.

He was born in Belmont County on September 6, 1942, a son of the late Glen Wilson Luyster and Mary Elizabeth Russell Luyster.

Richard was a 1962 graduate of Lakeland High School. After graduation he worked at Stark Ceramics, then he was drafted into the US Army and chose to enlist for four years in the United States Marine Corp. He was inducted at Pittsburgh, PA on March 29, 1964, and Honorably Discharged on March 29, 1968, from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina as a Staff Sergeant with three Purple Hearts.

Richard worked for ALSCO Aluminum for a short time before starting to work for thirteen years for various coal companies including Island Creek in Freeport, CONSOL Oak Park of Cadiz, North American #6 in Powhattan Point, then became custodian for Harrison Hills City School District, Lakeland High School for sixteen years.

He was a member of the Freeport Presbyterian Church where he was a former Elder, Deacon, Trustee; a former member of the Freeport Farmers Sportsman Club and had also been president of the club; and a fifty-year member of the Freeport Masonic Lodge #415.

Richard enjoyed being a part-time farmer, spending time on the farm with his family, hunting, trapping, and working in his woodshop. He also took part in his children and grandchildren’s school activities and horse shows.

Surviving is his wife of sixty-one years, Judith Ann Bardall Luyster. They were married January 1, 1965. Also surviving are four children: Julie Ann (Mike) McEndree of Flushing, Richard Bradley (fiancée Rachel) Luyster of Freeport, Kathy Jo (Jeff) Hyde of Freeport, and Chad Theodore (Angel) Luyster of Perrysville; eleven grandchildren: Zackary Stubblefield, Chase McEndree, Holden McEndree, Allison Luyster, Emily Luyster, Kolt Hyde, Mackenna Luyster, Lily Luyster, Kaden Luyster, Alexa Dillon (Brianna); and one great-granddaughter, Ellie Dillon; a brother: Baynard (Joan) Luyster of Navarre; and three sisters: Dorothy Householder of Freeport, Martha Sue Luyster of Massillon, and Connie (Mike) Robertson of Columbus.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by two sisters: Nancy Thompson and Elizabeth Gleason.

Viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, in the Freeport Presbyterian Church, 104 Pine Street, Freeport, Ohio 43973. A Masonic Service will begin at 12:45:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Dave Bryan and Pastor Ed Eberhart officiating. Jim McConnell will be singing a couple songs. Graveside services and burial will follow in Greenmont Union Cemetery, 77101 Freeport Tippecanoe Road, Freeport, OH 43973 with Military Honors presented by the Newcomerstown Honor Guard.

Koch Funeral Home, 216 S High Street, Freeport was entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made on their website at www.kochfuneralhome.net