Richard L. Cory

Attorney, Richard L. Cory, 89, of Bucyrus, died Thursday, November 17, 2016, at Bucyrus Community Hospital.



He was born May 12, 1927, in Galion to the late Thomas C. and Thelma L. (Crissinger) Cory. Moving to Bucyrus at a very young age, Dick worked for his father at the Kroger Store and graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1945 where he proudly played bass drum in the band. He enlisted to serve in the US Navy during WW II, serving until being honorably and medically discharged. Dick enrolled at Ohio Northern University, where he graduated with his Bachelor of Law degree, LLB in 1951. While in law school, he was introduced through a blind date to Carol L. Gainey. They were married in Massillon, Ohio on June 11, 1950 and she survives.



In 1952, Dick was hired in with Attorney, Victor Vollrath to practice law, and over the next 65 years, he had the privilege of working with Robert L. Brown, Paul E. Pfeifer, and his son, David R. Cory. He helped thousands of clients (or friends as Dick would say), and he always “went the extra mile.” In addition to private practice, he served Bucyrus as the City Solicitor for a number of years. Dick was recently honored for his 65 years of practicing law by the Ohio Bar Association and was proud to have been the longest practicing attorney in Crawford County.



He was a member of Woodlawn United Methodist Church for 86 years, where he and his wife taught Sunday School for 25 years, and ushered during the early service for many years. Dick was a founding member of the Bucyrus Historical Society and a 70-year member of American Legion Post 181. He served as Director of the Crawford Board of Elections, Chairman and longtime member of the Republican Central Committee, Board of Directors for Flat Rock Methodist Home as well as many local community boards throughout his life including, First Federal Community Bank, Bucyrus Community Hospital, and Bucyrus YMCA.



Dick loved to cook and bake for his family, and he will be remembered for his famous cinnamon rolls, cookies, and fried mush. He spent many years bowling and golfing, and he also loved studying history. His family enjoyed many vacations throughout the United States, and to unwind, Dick liked to read, watch sports, or catch an old western.



In addition to Carol, his wife of 66 years, Dick is survived by three sons, Mark (Tami) Cory, David (Janet) Cory, and Thomas C. (Dorothy) Cory, II; eight grandchildren, Rebecca Cory and fiancé, Jeremy Lutz, Nathan (Katie) Cory, Jacob Cory, Jenna Cory, Thomas C. (Amber) Cory, III, Christina Cory and fiancé, Branden Douglas, and Rhieannae Cory and fiancé, Shane Cole; four great grandchildren, Seth and Gavin Lutz, Isabella and Mackenzie Cory, and a soon to be fifth, Elijah Lincoln Cory. Also surviving are a brother, Thomas E. (Leah) Cory; two sisters-in-law, Beverly (Bruce) Lax and Betty (Gainey) Brothers; two special cousins, Janet Graham and Chuck Hart; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.



He is preceded in death by a half-sister, Yvonne Ferguson and sister-in-law, Barbara Cory.



Friends may call from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, November, 20 at Wise Funeral Service. His funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday at Woodlawn UMC with Rev. Tom Gruver officiating. Dick’s family will also greet friends that morning from 10-10:45. Private burial with military honors will be held in Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.



Memorial contributions can be made payable to either the Bucyrus Historical Society or Woodlawn UMC and given through the funeral home.