Richard K. "Dick" Rathbun

Rathbun, Richard K. “Dick”, age 87, of Centerville, OH, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.

Dick was born on September 17, 1936, in Stillwater, NY, to the late Kenneth and Florence Rathbun. He graduated as valedictorian from Stillwater Central School class of 1954, and went on to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) where he earned his B.S. in electrical engineering. While at RPI, he was a member of the ROTC, and following his education he joined the United States Air Force. Dick’s military service spanned 23 years and took him all over the world, including Japan, the Philippines, Germany, and Korea, eventually stationing him at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB). While at WPAFB, Dick met, and later married, the love of his life, Sherry. In 1982, he retired at the rank of Lt. Col. and within a week embarked on a second career with Wright State University (WSU). After over 27 years with WSU, and while holding the position of Assistant Dean in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Dick retired from academia.

Even with two full and rewarding careers behind him, Dick wasn’t quite ready to hang up his professional hat. After retiring from WSU, he moved on to his next endeavor as a Financial Administrator with Forensic BioInformatic Services in Fairborn, Ohio. Finally, in 2017, Dick decided to retire once and for all.

Over the years, Dick pursued many hobbies and interests. From HAM radio operator (K2PKZ), private pilot, and target shooting enthusiast to artistic endeavors, such as painting and stained glass; he was always curious and open to trying new things.

Always willing to help and encourage others, Dick impacted co-workers, neighbors, friends, and family with his kind character and quiet faith. He and Sherry were long-time members of Epiphany Lutheran Church. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents and great-grandson, Liam Long.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Sherry Rathbun; daughters, Renée Dubis and Leona (David) Williams; son, Brian (Sandy) Rathbun; grandchildren, Jess, Miranda, Jake (Emma), Mackenzie (Eli), Wren, Brad, Tom, Elijah, and Rachel; great-grandchildren, Silas, Julian, Isaac, Noah, and Ella; brother, David (Phyllis) Rathbun; nephews, Rick (Melissa) and Randy (Denise); and other extended family.

Dick’s family would like to thank the staff at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton for the exceptional care they provided. A celebration of Dick’s life will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 15, at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 East Stroop Road, Kettering, OH. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Vincent de Paul Dayton.