Richard "Dick" Richter

Marland Richard Richter, known to all who loved him as Dick, passed away surrounded by loved ones on April 14, 2026, at the age of 88, after an extended illness. A lifelong resident of Chillicothe, Ohio, Dick was born on December 17, 1937, to the late Marland E. Richter and Mabel M. Richter. He was a man of great humor, kindness, and wit, known for his quick one-liners and a warmth that drew people to him throughout his entire life.

Dick graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1955 and went on to serve his country in the Air Force Reserves from 1961 to 1967, a service that reflected the deep patriotism he carried with him always. He loved his country fiercely, and that pride never wavered.

On January 30, 1958, Dick and his father founded Rick's Park N Save, building a business from the ground up during one of the worst recessions in history. Through tireless work and sheer determination, they grew the store into a Chillicothe institution. When his father retired in 1981, Dick took the reins and continued to expand the business. His son Rich joined him in 1979, and when Dick retired in December of 1999, he proudly turned management over to Rich, making him the third generation to carry on the family legacy. Dick took tremendous pride in the fact that Rick's Park N Save remains one of the oldest businesses on Bridge Street still operating today, and he was even prouder of the success Rich has continued to build.

In 1962, Dick became a member of the Noon Lions Club and the Home Builders Association, deepening his roots in the community he loved so much.

On September 4, 1966, Dick married the love of his life, Carolyn L. Whetstone, and together they built a beautiful family and a lifetime of memories. Over the years, you could find Dick reading a good book, watching Fox News, cheering on Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Bengals. He loved Ford cars and riding his motorcycles. He and Carolyn became snowbirds over the last 23 years, spending winters in Venice, Florida. Weekends at home were often spent playing cards or watching sports with their close friends.

More than anything, Dick loved his family. He was so proud of every one of them and cherished time spent with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his fur baby, Addison. Dick is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; his son, Rich (Melissa) Richter; his daughters, Kristi (Derek) Clendenen and Robin Campbell; his grandchildren, Jaran (Jodie) Burns, Bradey (Andrea) Burns, Lauren (Austin) Wolf, and Sydni Campbell; his great-grandchildren, Beckham and Bailyn Burns, Blair Burns, Brooks Wolf, and Kash Lewis. He is also survived by many special family members and friends throughout the greater Ross County area.

Dick attended Tabernacle Baptist Church, and his family takes comfort in knowing he is at peace in the arms of his Lord and Savior. He was loved and respected by so many, and his legacy will live on through the family, friendships, and community he built over 88 remarkable years.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Haller Funeral Home for visitation on Sunday, April 19, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 20, at 1:00 p.m., with Chris Brown officiating.