Richard “Dick” Eaken, 81, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2014 in Medina. Richard was born July 6, 1932, in Lodi, to the late Wilbur and Marjorie (Shoemaker) Eaken. He was a lifetime Medina resident and member of the Medina United Church of Christ, Congregational.
He graduated from Medina High School in 1951, and attended Kent State University from 1952 to 1953. In 1955 he attended the University of Akron, studying AutoCAD and Vocational Education.
Dick proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955. He was the former chairman of the Montville Township Zoning Commission, past President and Director of the Akron-Canton Chapter of National Suggestion Systems, former member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Suggestions Systems and former member of the Drafting Technology Advisory Committees of Medina and Wayne County Career Centers. He was a member of the Medina Lions Club and Medina Eagles. As a member of the Board of Directors of the Medina County YWCA, he was instrumental in the development of the swimming pool. He was a member of the Medina County Cruisers Club and enjoyed his work with the Medina County Achievement Center in the summers. Dick loved his Red ’57 Chevy Belair, cooking and playing pinochle. He was an avid Indians, Browns, and Ohio State fan. Mostly, he loved being outside, caring for and enjoying his home, property and pets.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Sally (Szaniszlo), to whom he was married 57 years; loving daughter, Carrie (Carl) Powell of Canton, Michigan; cherished granddaughter, Tiffany (Powell) (Jay) Baskette of Strongsville; brother-in-law, Paul (Susan Twigg) Szaniszlo of Austin, Texas; nephew, Christopher (Chesney) Szaniszlo of Austin, Texas; great-nephew, Lee Szaniszlo; niece, Juli (Szaniszlo) Chuck Powell of Austin, Texas; great-niece Lily Powell; and great-nephew, Matthew Powell; Dick is also survived by extended family members and dear friends.
The family wishes to extend special thanks for the love and care Dick received at Emeritus at Camelot Place and Hospice of Medina County.
Family will receive friends Sunday, Febuary 2, 2014 from 1 to 6 P.M. at the funeral home. A service will be held Monday, Feburary 3, 2014 at 11 A.M. at the Waite & Son Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St., Medina. The Reverend Dr. Neal Sadler will officiate. Burial will follow at the Chapel in Spring Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Medina United Church of Christ, Congregational, 217 E. Liberty St., Medina, OH 44256 or Hospice of Medina County, 5075 Windfall Road, Medina, OH 44256.
Online condolences may be left at www.waitefuneralhome.com