Richard Aaron Stanford, 88, of Bellefontaine and formerly of Rushsylvania passed away at 3:37 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 2020, in The Homestead at Logan Acres.
He was born in Logan County, on Aug. 1, 1931, the son of the late Albert Justin and Viola May (Snyder) Stanford. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Judy Suratt, two sisters and a brother.
On Dec. 21, 1968, he married the former Patricia A. (Wilson) Harris in Rushsylvania, and she survives.
He is also survived by his son, Michael (Marissa) Stanford of Albuquerque, N.M., two grandchildren; Shannon (Jason) Mitchell of Linden, Texas, and Joshua Johnson of Texarkana, Texas, three step children; Steve (Cindy) Harris of Bellefontaine, Dave (Peggy) Harris of Rushsylvania, Beverly (Don) Brown of Bradenton, Fla., 12 step grandchildren, 32 step great grandchildren, two step great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Richard was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, serving his country during the Korean War. He was involved in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir and was a proud member of the “Chosin Few.” He also was a longtime member of the Rushsylvania United Methodist Church and the Rushsylvania Lions Club. He worked for Excello/Textron, Lima, as a welder and later as an inspector. Richard and his wife Pat, built, owned and operated the Back 40 Campground, Rushsylvania.
Due to the COVID-19 situation, the family will have private family graveside services with military honors provided by the Logan County Veteran Honor Guard in Rushsylvania Cemetery. There is a celebration of life service being planned for the public at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that any memorial contributions may be given to the Rushsylvania United Methodist Church, 152 Rush St., Rushsylvania, OH 43347.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Stanford family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.