H. Richard "Dick" Housel

H. Richard “Dick” Housel, age 84, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, in the home he lovingly built and where he and his wife raised their family, with his wife by his side. 

Born at Union Hospital in Dover, Dick was a son of the late Ernest “Slim” and Neva Tharp Housel. 

From a young age, Dick learned the value of hard work and the importance of doing a job well. Working alongside his father, who was a skilled “tinner,” Dick developed the craftsmanship and practical knowledge that would serve him throughout his life. Those early lessons led to a 40-year career with Henry Heating and Cooling, where he worked as a commercial HVAC installer. His talents extended well beyond his profession, as he put his skills to use building his family home and lending his knowledge, leadership, and helping hands to numerous construction projects at his church and the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds. 

He was a 1960 graduate of the former Midvale High School. In 1964, Dick was drafted into the United States Army. As fate would have it, paperwork assigning him to Vietnam was lost, and instead, he was stationed in Toul, France. There, he served as an ammunition driver, proudly accumulating more than 10,000 accident-free miles traveling between Germany and France.

Following his honorable discharge in 1966, Dick returned home to the love of his life, the former Patty Wardell, whom he had met years earlier through a Grange youth group hayride. The couple married on August 27, 1966, beginning a lifetime of love, partnership, and shared devotion to family and community. This past August, Dick and Patty celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. 

Together, Dick and Patty founded the Possum Hollow 4-H Club, which they faithfully led for more than 20 years. Dick's lifelong love of agriculture, raising cattle, and the 4-H program was evident in the countless hours he devoted to the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds and the young people it served. He spent many years serving as a director of the Tuscarawas County Agricultural Society, served on the livestock committee, and served as Fair Board President from 1993 to 1998. During his presidency, he was instrumental in raising the funds necessary to replace the original grandstand, which had stood since 1940. 

When he wasn't working or volunteering, Dick enjoyed the thrill of racing. Whether watching local races at Midvale Speedway or traveling across the country to attend NASCAR and other racing events, he appreciated the excitement of the sport. He was also a private pilot who found great enjoyment flying his Cessna Skyhawk. A lifelong Ohio State Buckeyes fan, Dick faithfully cheered on his beloved team. Among his greatest pleasures, however, were the many trips he and Patty shared attending gospel music concerts, combining their love of travel, music, and faith.

 Dick's abiding faith was an important part of his life. As a devoted member of Broadway Global Methodist Church, he served for many years as a Trustee, Head Usher, and member of the Building Committee. His construction experience and steady leadership proved especially valuable during the church's sanctuary building project in 1984. For Dick, serving his church was another opportunity to put his God-given talents to work for the benefit of others.

Dick will be deeply missed by his wife, Patty; their sons, Kevin Housel and Kurt (Miranda) Housel, all of New Philadelphia; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Housel and Linda Wardell; five nephews and their families; and the many special people who knew him affectionately as “Uncle Dick.” In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his brothers, Leslie Housel and Bill Housel; brother-in-law, David Wardell; and a dear niece, Sandy Wardell.

 The family will greet guests on Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 2 to 4 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastors Harley Wheeler and Bill Sowers will lead a service celebrating Dick's life on Monday, November 16, 2026, beginning at 10:30 AM in Broadway Global Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia, where military honors will be rendered by the Carl C. Stoller Post 1445 of the New Philadelphia VFW. Following the services, a meal and time of fellowship will be shared in Spencer Hall at Broadway Global Methodist Church.

 The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the many individuals who provided compassionate care to Dick throughout his final years, especially Tara, Bethany, Evea, Crossroads Hospice, and the doctors and nurses at the VA facilities. Your kindness, dedication, and attentive care brought comfort to Dick and his family and will always be remembered.

 Memorial contributions in Dick's name may be directed to Broadway Global Methodist Church, 120 Church Avenue SE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, or to the Douglas Wills Junior Fair Scholarship, c/o Tuscarawas County 4-H, 419 16th Street SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.