For her mother until her Ellsworth, Rev. Richard D.
1925 - 2021
(Rev) went to be with the Lord on August 25, 2021. Rev was born to Perry and
Seville Ellsworth on July 16, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio.
He and his two brothers,
Perry and William, proudly served in the United
States Army during World
War II. Rev served in both the European and Pacific
Theaters. Following the war,
Rev completed his training as an engineer at Case
Institute of Technology, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1950. He worked as a field and research engineer at Borden Dairy and Ice
Cream Co. and Battelle
Memorial Institute in Columbus
before being called to the ministry. He also met his beloved wife, Linda, whom he married in 1950.
He and Linda answered
Gods call to the ministry in 1956. He graduated from
Trinity Lutheran Seminary to serve as a pastor for the rest of his life. He first served as a student pastor at three small churches near Lithopolis, Ohio, then moved to Central College
Presbyterian Church in
Westerville, Ohio, where he remained for 48 years.
After retirement, Rev was called to serve as a supply pastor at Newark First and
Lancaster Presbyterian
Churches. Revs ministry was bold and adventurous.
Among his adventures were mission trips to Honduras, three pulpit exchanges in
Scotland, youth retreats,
Easter sunrise services at
Hoover Dam, and many more. Rev seemed to have boundless energy and enthusiasm. He was proud to serve as Chaplain for the Columbus Division of
Police and Fire. In 1991, he was appointed as Chaplain for the Ohio State Highway
Patrol. He continued to work as Chaplain for OSHP for 30 years, reluctantly retiring from official duties on
May 24, 2021. The Patrol family was and continues to be a strong source of friendship and support to
Rev and his entire family.
Rev loved his family. Pa, as he was affectionately known, was extremely generous. He and Nana took many trips with their children and grandchildren and eagerly shared their wisdom and resources. He especially enjoyed camping
Though Pa was often busy serving others, his family time was a priority filled with great love and support.
His heart was broken with the death of Linda and his daughters Beth and
Penny. He is survived by his daughters, Pam (Jim) Miller,
Jennifer Turick; son, Pete (Sarah) Ellsworth; grandchildren, Steve (Sarah)
Wick, Moriah Turick, Elise (Matt) Carroll, Luke (Hana)
Walker, Ashley Ellsworth,
Amanda (Jaden) Sallee,
Abigail and Emily Ellsworth; brother-in-law, Charles
Wells; 10 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters in Christ, his law enforcement family, and countless friends and neighbors. It is quite impossible to adequately list his accomplishments and the ways he impacted the lives of others. He lived his life to the fullest. When faced with a challenge, he always said, Its not why we cant, but how we will. Please direct memorial gifts to
Central College Christian
School (CCCS) Scholarship
Investments. Visitation will be at Moreland Funeral
Home on Friday, September 3, 5-8PM. A Celebration of
Life will be held at Central
College Presbyterian
Church on Saturday, September
4, 11AM, followed by a graveside service at reception at the church.