Richard J. Smith

Richard J. Smith, 88, of Zanesville, died at 8:00 a.m. Sunday, January 21, 2007 at his home. He was born October 10, 1918, in Zanesville, a son of the late William Richard and Anna Helen Burkhart Smith Jr. Richard was well known for his plastering skill. He did the plastering remodeling at St. Nicholas Catholic Church and for the Schultz Mansion. He then worked for Clarksburg Paper Box Company and retired from NCR. He was a long time member and usher for Central Trinity United Methodist Church and was a World War II Army Veteran. He landed on Utah Beach on D-Day with the second wave of the 4th Infantry and received the Bronze Star. He was a member of the VFW George Selsam Post 1058, American Legion Post 29 and the 4th Infantry. Surviving are two daughters, Diane Roberts of South Zanesville and Cathy (Don) Starkey of Zanesville; five grandchildren, David (Janet) Fogle, Richard Shane (Jayme) Starkey, Michelle Ashcraft, Amber (Darrin) Moore and Christa Starkey; eight great grandchildren, Tanner Ashcraft, Caden Ashcraft, Justin Fogle, Chance Murphy, Katlyn Watson, Adyson Starkey, Austin Moore and Kutter Moore; a brother, McKinley (Delores) Smith of Zanesville; a sister, Fay Weiser of Newark; special friend, Dorothy Brown of Zanesville; sister-in-law, Edna Watson of Owensboro, Kentucky and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death in addition to his parents, was his wife, Mary E. Mitchell Smith, who died July 2, 1993; a brother, Orley Smith; a sister, Louise Harris and a son-in-law, Michael Roberts. Friends may call from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home, 1271 Blue Avenue, Zanesville. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at the funeral home with Rev. Skip Colvin and Rev. Tom England officiating. Burial will follow with full military honors being provided by the VFW George Selsam Post 1058 at Zanesville Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Trinity United Methodist Church, 62 South Seventh Street, Zanesville, Ohio 43701.