02/26/2020

Obituary for the Rev. Richard Walston

Richard Oliver Walston of Westerville, Ohio passed away on February 24, 2020 at The James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State University. Richard (Dick) was born on November 17, 1941 in New Rochester, Ohio to Grace and Oliver Walston. He was the 3rd of 5 children in the family and was baptized at the family farmhouse on December 7, 1941. Dick graduated from Eastwood High School in 1959, received a Bachelor of Arts from Capital University and a Masters of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in 1968.

Dick met Janet Blank during their freshman year at Capital and they were married on September 1, 1962 in Janet's home town of Mt. Clemens, Michigan. Upon graduation from Trinity Seminary, Dick was called to serve St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Herron, Michigan, followed by three other congregations in Michigan: First Lutheran Church in Detroit, St John Lutheran Church in Fowlerville, and Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Grand Blanc. At Holy Spirit, Dick had the privilege to plan and build a new church sanctuary and facility with the congregation. It was a proud accomplishment that meant a great deal to him. Dick retired in 2005.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Janet, children Mark (Sloan) of Louisville, Kentucky, Joel (Sherri) of Apollo Beach, Florida, Amy Walston of Romeo, Michigan, and Sarah (Brant) Peters of Upper Arlington, Ohio along with grandchildren Hannah, Harrison, Abigail, Grace, Ethan, Gwendolyn, and Stella, siblings James (Wanda) of Atlanta, Georgia, Tekla (Adolph) Madaras of Pemberville, Ohio, and Dennis (Shelly) of Pemberville, Ohio, sisters-in-law Claudia Jeannette of Northfield, Illinois, Ellen Walston and Genevieve Walston of Pemberville, Ohio, along with several nieces and nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Oliver and Grace Walston, brother Gene Walston, and brother-in-law Joseph Jeannette.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 1, at Trinity Lutheran Seminary's chapel, 2199 East Main Street (parking and entrance off of College Ave), Columbus, OH 43209 at 3:30 pm. Visitation will be prior to the service, beginning at 1:30 pm. Interment will take place at Fish Cemetery on Zepernick Road in New Rochester, Ohio at Noon on Saturday, March 7. Donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University or to the James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State University - see further information below. The family wishes to thank The James Cancer Hospital, Hematology, Dr. James Blachly, and all of the caregivers for their many kindnesses.

Trinity Lutheran Seminary:
https://www.capital.edu/trinity-lutheran-seminary-at-capital-university/
Specify Trinity Fund in memory of Richard Walston

Hematology oncology Research Fund at the James:
giveto.osu.edu http://giveto.osu.edu
Specify fund 311936 in memory of Richard Walston
Or memorial donations may be mailed to:
Ohio State University Foundation
1480 Lane Ave
Columbus, OH 43221