Birt, Richard B.

Posted By: Michael O Reck
Date: 29 December 2003

Obituary - Richard B. BIRT (1922-2003) Source Unknown

Richard B. Birt, 81, 126 Ridgeview Drive, Greenville, died at 12:10 p.m. December 21, 2003, at the Brethren Home, Greenville.

He was born May 10, 1922, in Greenville, the son of the late Ralph V. and Elizabeth (BROWNE) "Bushnell" BIRT. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn "Kay" (BUCHY) BIRT., November 5, 2001; a daughter, Rebecca "Becky" Giesseman, Nov. 26, 2003; and his stepfather, Raymond Bushnell.

He was employed for 30 years with Dayton Power & Light Co., retiring in 1981 at commercial division manager. He served as mayor of Greenville from 1982 to 1986 and served as city service director under Mayor Marion Perry's administration.

He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy with duty in the South Pacific. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Greenville. He co-founded the Community Improvement Corp. and the Greenville Industrial Park and was past president of the Darke County Chamber of Commerce.
He was a past president of the Greenville Rotary Club, a past exalted ruler of the Greenville Elks Lodge and a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, the Greenville American legion and the V.F.W.. He was a past president of the Darke County United Way, a past director of Citizen State Bank and had served on the Annie Oakly Park Committee.

Survivors include sons and daughter-in-law, Richard and Betty Birt, II and Steven D. Birt, all of Greenville, a daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Kirk Flatter, of Muncie, Ind.; grandchildren, Betsy Birt, Sarah Birt, Rick Birt, III, Matt Birt, Rachel Birt, Kirk Flatter and Katie Flatter.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, with the Rev. Dr. John Person officiating. Burial will be in Greenville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contribuations may be made to the Bretheren Home, Benevolent Fund, the Cancer Association of darke County or the charity of the donor's choice.

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