Richard Acker

RICHARD B. ACKER (DICK) Richard B. Acker (Dick) 79 of Akron passed away after a short illness July 17 2004. He was born in Akron Ohio the son of Gerald and Ruby (Littlejohn) Acker. He was the best Christmas present to his family born on December 25 1924. He was a life resident of the Akron area. He attended Akron Central High School and would have graduated in 1944 but was drafted in July of 1943. He served in Italy with the Army Battery B 910th field artillery Custer Division. He received four Bronze Stars for his action in the campaigns Rome-Arno Rhineland Northern Appenines and Po Valley. After the war he returned home to marry his childhood sweetheart Betty Jane (Murray) Acker on February 27 1946. They had 34 years together until her passing in 1980. He retired from Loral formerly Goodyear Aerospace with 30 years service in 1988. He was an avid fisherman and loved sailing with his family. He was a member of the United States Power Squadron and assisted with boating classes for the Akron chapter. He was skilled at woodworking and took pride in his craftsmanship. He raced in 1939 as the first of three generations to compete in the Akron Soap Box Derby. He was a proud Grandpa when his first grandchild made the All American in 1986. He loved to watch his grandchildren as they competed in sports and other events. He bowled for many years on the Goodyear Aerospace league at Belair Lanes and the Mixed doubles with his wife at Eastgate Lanes. He greatly enjoyed his genealogy research trips with his son in Ohio and California. He was thrilled to meet His cousin Walter Scott of Calif. Who was lost to the family for over 50 years. He was a talented storyteller and never met anyone he didn't like. He enjoyed reading gardening and experimenting with recipes. He was a gifted photographer and passed this and other skills to members of his family. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Betty Jane (Murray) his parents Gerald and Ruby and his Step-mother Gertrude. He is survived by Brothers Robert (June) of Akron David of Cuyahoga Falls. Son Richard H. (Rosemary) of Copley Daughter Christine Davey of Bellevue Ohio four grandchildren and one great-grandson. He will be deeply missed. A Funeral service will be held Wednesday July 21 2004 at 10:00 am at Hummel Funeral Home (Copley Chapel). Interment in Northlawn Cemetery. Friends may call at Hummel Funeral Home 3475 Copley Rd. on Tuesday from 4-8 pm. Memorials may be made to the Hearts and Paws Rescue and Pet Adoption. P.O. Box 313 Canal Fulton Oh 44614.