Richard W. Zellers

Richard W. “Dick” Zellers, age 91, of Hartville, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday October 22, 2023 in the comfort of his home. He was born in Hartville, OH on December 25, 1931 to the late Kenneth W. and Helen (Laubert) Zellers; he was a graduate of Hartville High School & represented the school at Boy’s State. Dick received a BS degree in Agriculture from Ohio State University where he was a member of Delta Theta Sigma fraternity and during his Freshman year, he was inducted into Phi Eta Sigma, the Freshman Honorary.   

Upon graduation he joined the family farm business with a partnership agreement with his father, Kenneth, to form K.W. Zellers & Son.   After 1 year on the farm, he was drafted into the Army where he was trained to inspect food.  He was assigned to the Veterinarian Food Inspection near Paris.  He returned to the farm in 1956.  During his working years he served 12 years on the Ohio Vegetable & Potato Growers Assoc. board, 2 terms as president. Also, during this time many family members joined the operation of the business as the farm grew from 90 to 500 acres of muck land by the time he retired in 1995.  The farm is celebrating 100 years in business this year. 

He met his future wife, Dorothy Douglas, at a square dance & they were married in 1957. They enjoyed square dancing until 1995 & then traveled extensively to all 50 states and 9 of 10 of the Canadian Provinces. He was a member of Hartville United Church of Christ and recently attended United Methodist Church of Uniontown. He also enjoyed history and was an Eagle Scout who later served as a leader.  

Preceded in death by his loving wife Dorothy on February 1, 2021; and brother Darryl Zellers. He is survived by his sons Richard A. (Debra) Zellers, David P. (Josefina) Zellers; daughter-in-law Debra Zellers; grandchildren Natalie Zellers, Daniel (China) Zellers, Angela (Zachary) Lohouse, Michael (Madison) Zellers, John (Madison) Zellers, and twins Lisa and Elisha Zellers; great-grandchildren Lucas, Lincoln and Liam Zellers, Emmalynn Zellers, and Fabian and Rowan Lohouse; sister Myrna (Dave) Angell; brother Kenneth (Peggy) Zellers; nieces, nephews and friends.  

A memorial service will be held Sunday 3 PM, November 26, 2023, at New Baltimore Community Church with Pastor Dan Kenyon officiating.   

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