General Notes

Dick moved to Toledo from Independence, MO. It is believed he became a Seventh-day Adventist through the influence of a Mr. Earl Sevison, who he met through work. Dick was divorced from his first wife. The family story is that she became involved with another man that she sang with in the church choir. Rena came to Toledo from her home in West Virginia in answer to an employment ad in an SDA church paper, by a Mr. Earl Sevison. She worked for a time in a factory that made light bulbs. Her sister Rhea moved to Toledo a short time later and also worked there. Rena and Dick apparently met at church. Rhea recalls that she was not at all surprised when they were married. Unfortunately, the story of how they met was never passed down personally to their children.
Richard T. lived at 111 Thirteenth St. Toledo, OH at time of marriage to Rena Mary Higgins in 1938. Home at 225 Curwood Rd. in Holland, OH was built by Richard & Rena, where he lived until his death in 1976.

Excerpts from Dicks' funeral by his pastor and friend, Wm. C. Hinton: Richard was born in Kansas City, MO and grew up in Independence, MO. He graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1921. He resided in Toledo for the past 53 years. During his lifetime he engaged in the following occupations: Race Horse Trainer, instructor for drivers training for those who bought some of the first automobiles in town, professional dancer and musician, managed an A&P store, and a Kroger store in Toledo and was an electrician for the past 40 years, retiring in 1975. Richard became a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Toledo in 1938 and was an enthuastic worker and supporter of the church. Besides devoting much time to youth work he served as deacon and head deacon and was a member of the Board of Trustees. In 1973 he made a tour of the Holy Land, Cyprus, Greece and Rome which was one of the highlights of his life. A man who was deeply interested in healthful living and practiced it. He shared is insights with many people. Richard took his office as head deacon seriously and endeavored to improve the work of the deacon in the church. He was a faithful Christian, a devoted husband and father and a loyal friend. We are much the poorer for having lost him.