Richard H. Eschbaugh

Richard H. Eschbaugh was called home by the Lord and entered into rest peacefully surrounded by his family Friday (January 15, 2010). He was born April 20, 1927, in Beaver Township near Batesville, son of the late Clarence and Leona (Carpenter) Eschbaugh. Richard was a Korean War veteran serving as a forward observer in the 9th Infantry Regiment Division in the U.S. Army. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Campaign Ribbon with four battle stars. After serving his country, he worked 41 1/2 years for Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District at Seneca Lake Park and for the past 25 years as Seneca Lake Park superintendent. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert "Bobby" Eschbaugh and Charles Eschbaugh; and a sister, Laura Marie "Sissy" Eschbaugh Allman. He leaves his wife, Eloise Christman Eschbaugh, whom God joined together March 21, 1953; a daughter, Carolyn (Alan) Peterson of Gahanna; a son, Fred Eschbaugh (Kathy Kerr and son, Timmy) of Gainesville, Ga.; a daughter-in-law, Jeanne Eschbaugh of Columbus; three brothers, William (Yvonne) Eschbaugh of Marietta, Harold Eschbaugh of Salesville and Allen (Jane) Eschbaugh of Salesvile; a sister, Mary Evelyn (Eschbaugh) Carpenter, and a sister-in-law, Jean Eschbaugh; five grandchildren, Carey Willey of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Andrea (Troy) Bates of Byesville, Jennifer (John) Jordan of Powell, Jessica (Jared) Schwendeman of Columbus and Clint Willey of Columbus; four great-grandchildren, Erika, Abby and Kendra Bates of Byesville and Stephen Blackstone of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.; a great-great-grandson, Caiden Joseph Roberts; several much-loved nieces and nephews; and very special friends, Tom and Pat Finnegan and Bill Stoney. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Thorn-Black Funeral Home, Cambridge, where services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday )January 20, 2010) with Pastor Jeff Eschbaugh officiating. Military graveside honors held by Guernsey County Veterans Council. Burial will be in Guernsey Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made in memory of Richard Eschbaugh to Hospice of Guernsey Inc., PO Box 1165, Cambridge OH 43725.