Richard D. Kimple

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Richard Kimple, age 91, of Perrysburg, Ohio on April 14, 2025. A quiet yet unwavering presence in the lives of all who knew him, Richard lived a life defined by love, simplicity and a deep appreciation for the world around him.

Born in 1933, Richard spent his life grounded in the values that mattered most – family, nature and kindness. He was quick witted and held strong opinions on current affairs, but he was never mean or self-centered.

After graduating from Woodward High School, he followed his father into the building trades. He later attended the University of Toledo and became an accountant. Outside of work, he never sat still and constantly built onto or remodeled every home his family lived in.

He prided himself on being spritely and agile. His family tried, unsuccessfully, to talk him out of trees and off roofs well into his 80’s.

Richard was devoted to his late wife, Joan. Together they built a life rich in love and laughter. They enjoyed walking familiar trails in northwest Ohio and exploring areas throughout the country to see native and migrating birds. They formed a bird study group in the 1990’s to provide a forum for local birding enthusiasts to meet and share information. The group later was folded into the Black Swamp Bird Observatory.

In their later years, Richard and Joan would occasionally still dance to favorite music by Frank Sinatra or Johnny Mathis – the activity that first brought them together.

Richard found joy in simple things: a trail through the woods, the call of a warbler in spring or the laugh of a child. His knowledge of and appreciation for nature sparked the same enthusiasm in the next three generations of his family.

We’ll always smile remembering his childlike sense of play and his blunt comments reacting to things he liked – or disliked. We’ll remember how he was always there – willing to help fix anything. But mostly, we’ll miss the man who was steady, kind and full of love.

He is survived by loving family and friends, including daughter, Jennifer (Ellsworth) Shriver; granddaughter, Allison Fowler and great-grandson, Levon Fowler. Brothers Robert and Hank and numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; a sister, Jean Greenacre and a brother, Bill.

The family would like to thank long time friends Tony and Rose for the time they spent with him and Aimee Arent for her clever weekly cards and notes.

In honor of Richard’s life, we invite you to take a quiet walk in nature and listen for birds. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. (www.friendsofottawanwr.org)