Dr. Richard "Dick" Pence

PENCE, Dr. Richard L. "Dick", 85, of Springfield, passed away on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 in Dayton, Ohio. He was born September 21, 1927 to the late Loren and Eva (Garrett) Pence in Springfield, Ohio. During his youth, Dick played for the American Legion Post #6 Baseball team (Dead End Kids) and traveled the circuit. After graduating from Springfield High in 1945, he joined the Navy as a Dental Technician Second Class during World War II. The day after he left for the Navy, the Pittsburg Pirates drafted him to join their team as a pitcher. Upon discharge from the service, Dick attended Wittenberg University, and then The Ohio State University, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi and graduated with honors and a Doctorate in Dental Surgery. After settling back in Springfield and launching his dental practice, Dick married the love of his life, Dorothy Olinger. He was active in the Springfield Dental Association until his retirement 26 years ago. He remained very active as a member of the St. Andrews Masonic Lodge 619, a member of the First Christian Church in Springfield, and he played the harmonica in a group that performed at local retirement homes. Dick will be remembered as a loving man, who cared deeply for his wife and family of five children. He was even the sole care provider for his wife who was ill for 25 years, until her passing in 2011. In 2012, he received recognition for his baseball talent and was inducted into the Clark County Baseball Hall of Fame. Dick is survived by his son, William G. (Katy) Burns of Seffner, FL; his four daughters, Jenny Mouse (Jeff Conklin) of Springboro, Julie (Jack) Gallagher of Middletown, Kim (Stu) Geralds of Tampa, FL, and Daphne Burns of Seffner, FL; seven grandchildren, Travis, Chris, Shaun, Matt, Ashley, Justin, Amy, and Billy; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Dorothy. He was a hero to his family, as well as loved, respected and admired by all who knew him. Friends may call from 2-4 on Sunday, February 10, 2013 with a Masonic tribute at 4pm, and funeral service to immediately follow at the JACKSON, LYTLE & LEWIS FUNERAL HOME in Springfield. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery in Middletown at 1pm on Monday, February 11. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.jacksonlytle.com.

Dr. Richard "Dick" Pence

September 21, 1927 - February 6, 2013