Richard William "Dick" Leist

LEIST, Richard “Dick”, age 85, passed away April 30, 2019. Dick was born on November 17, 1933 to Edward W. & Estella M. (York) Leist in Dayton, OH.

He graduated from Roosevelt High School and the University of Dayton. Dick served as a medic in the U. S. Army post Korean War, stationed in California and Germany. He worked in Contracting Management at DESC & retired after 33 years of government service. Dick was a steadfast, loving husband to Arlene for 59 years. Just as Arlene, he was devoted to his family, and generous with his guidance.

He played volleyball, basketball, racquetball, & golf. Dick waterskied, snowmobiled, went horseback riding, camped and fished. He loved to read, study the stock market, travel, go to movies, & play euchre. Like Arlene, Dick rarely missed an event involving his grandsons' soccer, football, wrestling, & track activities. He enjoyed Lake Cumberland, the ocean and the sway of palm trees. Dick was a "flyer fan" and for years attended the University of Dayton Men's & Women's basketball games. He remained active his entire life. Dick was witty, minced no words, spoke on the positives, never met a stranger, and was unbelievably generous in every way. He was reassuring and unfaltering in his decisions. Dick was a cornerstone to our family and will be dearly missed. Our solace is that he's in heaven reunited with Mom, the love of his life.

Dick was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Arlene (McMahon) Leist; parents; brother, Ronald Leist. Dick is survived by his daughters, Liz (Leslie Hahn) Godsey, Linda (Tom Cheers) Shipley; grandchildren, Brandon (Amanda) Godsey, Nathan (Kalie) Godsey, Garrett (Colleen Bosche) Shipley; great-grandsons, Nash & Mason Godsey; sister-in-law, Gail Leist; nephews, Ken and Steve Leist, & hundreds of cousins. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at 11:00 am at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E Stroop Rd, Kettering, 45429, with a luncheon immediately following. Burial at Calvary Cemetery following the luncheon.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Pink Ribbon Girls, 15 S. Second St., Tipp City, OH, 45371.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.routsong.com.