Richard Focht Obituary

Richard A. "Rich" Focht Jr.

Richard Allen "Rich" Focht Jr., 76, of Tiffin, fell asleep in the arms of the Lord at 1:01 p.m. Monday, March 4, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Rich was born March 17, 1947, in Tiffin, to Richard Allen Sr. and Mary Yvonne (LaGrone) Focht. He married Marcia Graham on May 30, 1981, and she survives in Tiffin.

Rich's other survivors include his sons, Todd (Britny) Focht and Timothy (Kate) Focht, both of Tiffin; daughter, Bridget (Joshua) Simpson of Huntersville, North Carolina; six grandsons, Jaxon, Louis, Samuel, Sebastian, Alexander, and Michael Focht, all of Tiffin; sisters, Mary Jane Might of Sebring, Florida, and Patty (Chris) Belville of Tiffin; brothers, Bill (Anne) Focht, Tom Focht, and Jerry (Donna) Focht, all of Charlotte, North Carolina; wonderful in-laws; numerous nieces and nephews; and Steve Nobil, a lifelong friend since the age of 7.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marsha Paull; in-laws, Bill Might and Don Paull; and nephew, Tony "Spud" Speaker.

He graduated from Columbian High School in 1965. Rich passionately participated in football, basketball, and track. He was befittingly inducted into Columbian High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He attended Baldwin Wallace College. There, he played football and track, receiving all-Ohio Athletic Conference honors and was an OAC and NCAA champion. In 2015, he was inducted in to their Athletic Hall of Fame. While in attendance, Rich was a member of the ATO Fraternity, forming many lasting friendships.

Upon graduation, Rich served in U.S. Army Combat Engineers from 1969-1971. He returned to Tiffin after receiving a honorable discharge in 1972. After his departure from the Army, he worked with his father at Focht Brothers Construction. He eventually became President and owner until the business was liquidated in 1986. Rich was a civil servant from 1988-2013, working as Tiffin City Administrator and President and CEO of SIEDC and Tiffin Area Chamber of Commerce. Throughout those years, some of his greatest personal accomplishments were the development of two industrial parks in Tiffin and the new businesses he helped bring to town, some of which being Taiho Corp. of America, American Fine Sinter, Lowe's, and the restoration and refurbishing of the old Shawhan Hotel. Rich was appointed to Tiffin City Council where he served as councilman and interim president. He was also a board member of National Machinery Foundation and past president of The Tiffin Seneca Day Care. He loved the town of Tiffin and spent many years devoted to keeping it a great place to live and raise a family.

Rich was a great athlete, competitor, and lifelong student of golf. You could always find him perfecting his swing! He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing with his family and friends whenever he had the chance. Rich loved Motown music and had a great sense of humor and huge heart. At times, he could be a relentless tease, but all in fun. Rich was a member of St. Elizabeth New Martyr Mission Church in Moline, Ohio, and recently was working hard to direct the church renovation and restore the building to a place of worship. Rich loved the Lord and lived a life of faith. He was an imperfect human being who asked forgiveness often and for Grace and Mercy from his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave all Glory to God for any of his accomplishments.

Rich was most loved and blessed through his marriage of 42 years to his wife, Marcia, and the family that they built together. He was a devoted husband and father, always letting his family know how proud he was of them and how much he loved them. He devoted his life to providing for his family. He enjoyed spending time with them and loved them deeply. To his grandchildren, he was known as "Papa." He led his family well and is remembered fondly by them. He will be sorely missed! May his memory be eternal and his soul through the mercy of God rest in peace.

Rich's funeral will be 1 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2024, at Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory, Tiffin. Visitation for family and friends will be 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Elizabeth New Martyr Mission or Braille Institute of America at brailinstitute.org.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.shookfamilyfh.com.