He was born June 29, 1930 in Seneca County, Ohio to Leland Stanford and Helen Berdine Pangborn Sour. In 1948 he was selected as the Ohio FFA Star Farmer. He graduated from Jackson Liberty School in 1949 with a scholarship to Ohio State University.

During his time at Ohio State University (OSU) he served as the university's beef cattle herdsman and also as president of the Saddle and Sirloin Club. As a member of OSU's 1951 general livestock judging team, he won high individual at both the American Royal and the Chicago International Collegiate Judging Contest. Dick graduated from OSU in 1953 with a B.S. degree in animal husbandry and served on active duty in the U.S. Army in Greenland as a first lieutenant.

Afterward, he became beef cattle herdsman and instructor of horse production at the Pennsylvania State University. There he was an influential member of the committee that formed the first Pennsylvania Livestock Exposition. Dick began judging beef cattle in the early 1950s and during the next 51 years judged many major livestock shows, such as the International Livestock Exposition in Chicago and Louisville, American Royal, Eastern National, Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, Pacific International Exposition in Vancouver, Canada, as well as numerous state and regional livestock shows, and overseas in England, Scotland and Ireland.

He married Barbara E. Stickley of Urbana, Ohio on August 20, 1955, who survives. He is survived also by a daughter, Leslie E. Gertsch (Richard, deceased), and a son, S. Reed (Christine).

After several years establishing Angus Glen Farm in Ontario, Canada, he and his family returned to Champaign County in 1965 and established Carriage Hill Farms. In the mid-1970s, he created the innovative Bovine Enterprises 4-H Club, a club that focused, in part, on members' practical application of beef cattle marketing skills.

Dick was a member of the committee that originally organized and formulated the Ohio Beef Marketing Program. He was a member of the first Ohio Bull Test Committee and of the Executive Committee for the Buckeye Beef Show. He initiated and planned the first Ohio Angus Preview Show, and later organized the carcass show at the Champaign County Fair.

His portrait was placed in the OSU Animal Science Hall of Fame as the Distinguished Alumnus in 1973.

He actively participated in the Ohio Cattlemen's Association, serving as President and a Director, and in the Ohio Angus Association during terms as President, Secretary and Director. He was a Director in the Miami Valley Angus Association and in the Champaign County Cattlemen's Association where he was President and lastly, Treasurer. He has been President of the Champaign County 4-H Advisory committee, Secretary of the OSU Animal Science Department Advisory Committee, and the Industry Representative on the OSU Review Advisory committee for Research Development.

Graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family at Spring Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Champaign County Cattlemen's Association, 7012 Stevenson Rd, Cable, OH 43009.

Arrangements entrusted to VERNON FUNERAL HOME, Urbana, Ohio.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Urbana Daily Citizen from Mar. 8 to Mar. 9, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Sour

6 Entries

Kathy Zerkle

July 19, 2022

Barb, I was saddened by the passing of your beloved, Dick. You shared a lifetime of memories together and also with Leslie and Reed. I wish you good health and peace in your memories. With Love, Kathy Zerkle

Polly Jordan

April 11, 2022

Mrs.Sour, Leslie and Reed ,we want to express our condolences. Mr. Sour/your dad and husband...what a special person. He was an amazing 4H advisor....his lectures were so informative. He managed the club with such a big commitment.
I think we all learned to understand a good grade of beef cattle (whether our project was or not!) I remember the emphasis of the gate paint color redwing from Dean and Barry and we were reminded to not wait `til the last minute or the cattle would wear it too....Wednesday show day watermelon and Piney´s homemade cinnamon rolls, aisle duty and cold barn tours to see everyone´s projects...I have great memories of the families and 4-H days we have shared.
Also, Jim was lucky to have you Mrs.Sour for kindergarten. One of his favorite memories was the time Mr.Sour brought a lamb to school to share with the class.
Mr.Sour always enjoyed himself and smiled often. I will miss him.

Bruce & Sharon Springer, Michelle Springer Stevens, Kyle Springer

March 13, 2022

Mrs. Sour we extend our sympathy for your loss! Our Family appreciates the 4-H years we enjoyed at County Fair and the great work Dick did for the Fair, the Cattlemen & 4-H! He definitely left his mark on our Community!

Joyce Bowlin

March 12, 2022

So sorry for the family loss. I remember many fond thoughts of those day at Graham South. You are a special person prayer for all Joyce Bowlin.

Joyce Bowlin

March 11, 2022

So sorry to hear this news of his passing. Many great memories of working with you at Graham South and hearing stories of your family. Blessing to you and Family . Joyce B.

Michael Bishop

March 9, 2022

Barbara, Leslie & Reed:
Your dad was one of the truly memorable people in my life. I often recant stories of my time working with him in my youth and learning about Angus cattle and life in general. Barbara, you know well some of my own family tragedies I endured in my teenage years. Dick was always there for me when I needed firm guidance and I always thought of him and his work ethic when faced with challenges in my life. He taught me a lot about life, what it means to work and focus on what you want to accomplish. Thank you Barbara for allowing me to drop in from time to time when I returned to Urbana and for the chats we had over the phone when I called. I have many many reasons to thank Dick for his contribution to my life....more than he probably ever knew.

With great memories,
Michael

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