Richard Cairns
Richard Cairns, 83, died peacefully following a brief illness Friday, April 18, 2014. He was surrounded by his immediate family in the comfort of his own home, located on his beloved family farm in Dellroy. It was a place he called home for the past 50 years.A son of the late Ward M. and Effie (Brothers) Cairns, Dick, as he was known to family and friends, was born at North Industry July 30, 1930.He attended East Canton High School and was drafted into the United States Army in 1951. He honorably served the Army as an MP during the Korean War and was proud to have had the opportunity to serve his country just as his father had during World War I; and his brother during World War II. Dick remained a patriotic individual for the remainder of life, as he was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 3301 and enjoyed attending various veterans events during Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Additionally, Dick was a 29-year member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 2199.Dick was a farmer all of his life and turned to farming as a full-time occupation following his retirement from Macomber Steel in Louisville in 1974. With his family at his side, he enjoyed overseeing, growing and working the day to day operations of the family farm.He greatly loved his family and will be deeply missed by his wife, the former Frances Cochran, whom he married Sept. 25, 1954. Fran was the love of his life through happiness and heartache and remained by his side until the end. Other survivors include their three children, Jeanne (Larry) Strawder, Rodney (Darlene) Cairns and Brian (Tammy) Cairns, all of Carroll County; grandchildren, Michael (Sherri) Lewis, Chris Lewis, Shannon Cairns, Amber Cairns, Emily (fiancé, Ben Hall) Cairns and Haley Cairns; step-granddaughters, Laura (Al) Liber and Delaney Liber; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Kutcher and Kayla Lewis.In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his brother, Ward Cairns and three grandchildren, Jess Lewis, Aaron Cairns and Devon Cairns.Dick was a private man who valued honesty, integrity and a strong work ethic and lived his life to the end in his own way.The family greeted guests one hour prior to a casual memorial service Tuesday, April 22 from 4-5 p.m. in the Dellroy Community Hall in Dellroy, where Pastor Kari Lankford led a service in his memory. Immediately following the service, all were invited to join the family for a time of food, fellowship and sharing of memories in the Dellroy Community Hall. Cremation care has been conducted by Geibs Tuscarawas Valley Crematory.The family requests memorial contributions in memory of Dick be directed to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue S.W., New Philadelphia 44663.Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Dick by visiting the funeral homes website at www.GeibCares.com.
