Richard Skillman Shives age 92, of New Madison, Ohio, passed away peacefully at 2:34 AM on Friday, February 26, 2021, at State of the Heart Hospice Care Center in Greenville
Dick was born November 8, 1928 in Elroy, Ohio, to the late Leonard L. & Larie (Skillman) Shives. In addition to his parents, Dick was also preceded in death by his wife, the love of his life, Betty Eileen (Detamore) Shives on December 27, 2020, whom he married September 5, 1953.
Dick retired in 2003 after 45 years from Farmers State Bank in New Madison as CEO, president and Director. Bank customers could always rely on being greeted by Dick as they came in the bank. He knew and cared for all of his customers.
Dick served his community and was a former member of the Darke County Welfare Board, New Madison School Board, Wayne Hospital Board, Hope Foundation and former Director of the Darke County Childrens Home. He was involved with the Sertoma Club, Kiwanis Club, 1959 Past Master of the Ansonia Masonic Lodge, and Scottish Rite/Shrine of Dayton. The Liars Club will miss his laugh at their annual meetings.
He entered into the U.S. Army service in 1950 and served an extended tour of duty in Korea with Army Intelligence as a noncommissioned officer.
Dick was married to Betty (Detamore) Shives for 67 years. He first met her as she was playing in a mud puddle at Hunchbarger’s Corner and first asked her to marry him in second grade. She finally gave in on September 5, 1953, (17 years later). Their relationship was filled with laughter and love. He is survived by sons, John (Rene Benanzer) Shives and David (Jill Waymire) Shives both of Greenville; daughter, Anne (John) Hoenes of Centerville; 7 grandchildren, Emily (Jay) Hartman, Rachel (Nathan) Silknitter, Margaret Shives, Clint Shives, Ashley (Dustin) Yount, Mary Hoenes and Andrew Hoenes; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Jackie Ray (Jan Drew) Shives; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He and Betty began collecting and restoring antiques early in their marriage. If it was wood, his kids and grandkids knew their “Pa” could fix it. Working on his farm, raising and caring for his horses and dogs or just having barbeques beside the pool are all memories his children and grandchildren enjoy. As they knew Pa was the “Champion of Elroy” in any game they played with him.
A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at Castine Church 624 St. Rt. 127 Arcanum with Pastor Andrew Costa officiating. Burial will follow in Teegarden Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Greenville Veteran’s Honor Guard. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and Wednesday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to State of the Heart Care Hospice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville.
Condolences for the family may be expressed through www.zecharbailey.com