Richard Herbert Boring, 91, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Reedsville, Ohio, October 22, 2012. His children and wife lovingly surrounded him during his last days. The eldest son of Glen and Marie Boring, Richard was born August 21, 1921, and is preceded in death by his parents, baby son, Michael and two brothers, James and Donald.

Richard is survived by Inez, his wife of 62 years; daughter, Brenda; sons, Randall (Karen) and Rick (Deborah); granddaughter, Natalie; special nephew, Steven Kirkman (Judy); and great-nephew, Patrick.

He is survived by siblings, Margaret Smalley, Floyd Boring, Betty Spencer (Kirt), Januita Copas, Vanuita Coleman; special sister-in-law, Hazel Salton; 109-year-old aunt, Edith Erdman; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Richard was a World War II veteran and paratrooper. He was a POW for 16 months and received many medals including a Bronze Medal and Rifle Award. He was employed by Elkem Metals for 33 years, during which he missed only one day of work.

Known fondly as “Speck”, he was a fiddler of bluegrass music and led a band called Specks of Bluegrass. He taught numerous people to play musical instruments and encouraged all talent levels to participate. In youthful years, he was a pitcher for the Reedsville Baseball team, and later was known for his fairness in umpiring games. Reaching out to others, he often quietly provided Thanksgiving or Christmas for families in need.

Speck loved his family, friends, home and life in rural Ohio and could identify hundreds of tree species. Until recently, he walked the woods and hills with his beagle Rambo. He will be greatly missed by countless friends and family.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. on Oct. 24, at White-Schwarzel Funeral Home, Coolville,Ohio or at the funeral service at 11 a.m. on Oct. 25, officiated by Pastor Gene Goodwin and Pastor John Frank. Burial will be in the Reedsville Cemetery where military graveside services will be conducted by American Legion Post 21, Albany VFW Post 9893 and Athens VFW Post 3477.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be given to the Reedsville United Methodist Church or Hospice.

Please share a memory or note of condolence in the online guestbook at www.white-schwarzelfuneralhome.com