Roger D. Richard

1967 - 2021

(News Story)
Tom Henry
Blade Staff Writer


WESTHOPE, Ohio - Roger D. Richard, who worked 28 years as a real estate transfer specialist in the Wood County auditor's office and was active in many aspects of Henry County government, died Sept. 12 inside his family's longtime farmhouse in Westhope, Ohio. He was 54.

His sister, Donna Zalar, who lives in the Cleveland area, said he died peacefully in his sleep of what she and other family members believe was a heart attack.

"He had a lot of insight into everything," she said.

Born Feb. 14, 1967, in Bowling Green, Mr. Richard was a graduate of Patrick Henry High School and Bowling Green State University, where he earned a business degree.

He worked at the Wood County auditor's office as a real estate transfer specialist for 28 years and was a lifelong member of Westhope Bible Church, where he served as treasurer.

In neighboring Henry County, Mr. Richard once served as president and board member of the Henry County Health Board and served on the Henry County Planning Commission. He also was a precinct member of the Henry County Republican Party Central Committee and a poll worker for the Henry County Board of Elections.

"He just liked our country," Ms. Zalar said. "He saw how government worked."

A travel buff, history buff, and collector of unique artifacts, Mr. Richard was tickled by the two blue ribbons he won at the recent Henry County Fair.

One was for his work in restoring an antique family cake carrier. Another was for his work in restoring an antique rain gauge from Richard Oil, a longtime business in McClure, Ohio, owned and operated by their father, Paul "Pinky" Richard.

Mr. Richard also worked with his father in restoring much larger items, such as tractors and vintage automobiles.

He was an avid collector of memorabilia, including that from vintage television shows.

One of the shows most dear to him was The Andy Griffith Show, and its depiction of a small, simple town called Mayberry.

Mr. Richard became such a fan of the classic '60s sitcom that he traveled to Mount Airy, N.C., Andy Griffith's hometown, for its annual Mayberry Days festival each year for about a decade, Ms. Zalar said.

He was thrilled to have a small, nonspeaking role as a jail inmate in the 2021 film Mayberry Man. The plot centers around an arrogant movie star busted for speeding in a small Southern town and sentenced to attend the festival to learn the true meaning of friendship and family.

He attended the film's Labor Day weekend premiere in Danville, Ind., with other cast members. Danville was used as a backdrop for much of the film, which stars Danville native Brett Varvel.

"He was involved in promoting and funding this movie," Ms. Zalar said.

While Mr. Richard enjoyed his hobbies, he also was "very passionate about serving the community," she said.

Mr. Richard was a member of Gideons International in Henry County and belonged to the Sons of American Legion in McClure, where he served as treasurer.

He spent nearly 35 years as a 4-H advisor in Henry County's Richfield Township.

Mr. Richard was for years a BGSU hockey season-ticket holder.

"He was a big hockey fan," Ms. Zalar said. "He followed BG to every home game or away."

Survivors include his sister, Donna Zalar, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation is from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, 1010 Westmoreland Ave., Napoleon, followed by a funeral there at 11 a.m. Saturday. Masks are encouraged.

The family asks that any contributions be made to Gideons International.

This is a news story by Tom Henry. He can be contacted at thenry@theblade.com.