Richard G Olinger

Richard G. “Dick” Olinger, 86 of New Concord, Ohio, formerly of Coshocton passed away suddenly at Genesis Good Samaritan Hospital on Tuesday October 15, 2013.

Richard was born to the late Frank T. and Bernice F. (Schlarb) Olinger in Coshocton on November 5, 1926.  He graduated from Roscoe High School and served in United States Army Corp of Engineers in the Philippines during World War II.

On July 6, 1955, he married his best friend and the love of his life Anna Lee (Gilmore) Olinger who survives.  He graduated from Muskingum University, was a member of Kiwanis Club, founding member of Ulster Club at Muskingum University, Emmanuel Lutheran Church and since childhood member of St. Johns United Church of Christ.  Dick was active in Big Brothers Big Sisters, actively supported United Way, Salvation Army, and Red Cross Blood Drives, and was an avid bowler at Coshocton Bowling Lanes.

Dick began his professional life working at Sears in Dayton, Ohio, returned home to work at JC Penney and moved on to manage Bond Shoe Store in Coshocton.  Together with his wife, he owned and operated Home Candy Company in Coshocton for more than forty years before opening and operating The Coffee Company in Coshocton during their retirement.  Dick loved telling jokes and Hopalong Cassidy was one of his favorite characters.  He also enjoyed Jack Benny for whom his favorite canine companion was named, “Benny.”

He is survived by his wife Anna Lee of the home; one daughter Lisa A. (Jay) Olinger Shaffstall of New Concord; a sister Sara (Dave) McKinley of Columbus; brother in law Bill Jones of Columbus; one special granddaughter Amelia E. Olinger Shaffstall of New Concord; several nieces and nephews.  Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his son David R. Olinger; sister Alice Jones and a brother David Olinger.

Friends may call at The Miller Funeral Home, 639 Main St., Coshocton on Tuesday October 22, 2013 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.  Funeral services for Dick will begin at 2:00 PM with Pastor Joanna Lance and Pastor Ellen Thomas officiating.  Interment will follow in South Lawn Cemetery where Coshocton County Veterans Honor Guard will perform military honors.

Lastly, a memorial service and light luncheon will be held Saturday, November 2, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 17 N. Liberty Street, New Concord.  Service at 11 AM followed by lunch

Memorial contributions may be directed to Muskingum University Alumni Fund, Richard Olinger Memorial, 163 Stormont St., New Concord, Ohio  43762, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.