Richard D. Hull

Richard D. Hull, age 88, of Fort Recovery, died December 23, 2020, peacefully at his home.

He was born December 29, 1931, in Fort Recovery, to the late Norman Sr. and Coda (Disher) Hull. On July 21, 1951, he married the late Lois (Pottenger) Hull, who died June 10, 2020.

Surviving are his six children, Nancy (Ron) Evans of Portland, IN, Carl Hull of Cottonwood, AZ, Jayne (Paul) Evans of Fort Recovery, OH, Joyce Hartzell of Fort Recovery, OH, Rich W. (Jodi) Hull of Anderson, IN, and Carole (Dave) Wilson of Middletown, IN; 15 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and siblings, John (Charlene) Hull of Westerville, OH, Alice Rini of Dover, OH, and Norman "Buzz" (Pat) Hull of Fort Recovery, OH.

Also preceding him in death are his grandson, Michael Evans; brother-in-law, Tony Rini; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Hull.

Richard was a 1950 graduate of Fort Recovery High School and went on to graduate from Miami Jacobs Business College in Dayton, Ohio. Richard was co-owner and the third generation of Hull Brothers, in Fort Recovery, Ohio which was established in 1896. At Hull Brothers he was a full time employee for 55 years, and the president for 42 years. Richard functioned in various positions, including parts, sales and management, Maytag/Whirlpool appliances, lawn and garden, and overseeing every function of the business. Richard was also an acting director of The First Financial Local Bank for 39 years.

Having had a special interest in electronics at a very early age, Richard, with the help of his older brother, John, planned and created the first radio station W1ZM3 in the 1940’s, in Fort Recovery which broadcast local news and “live” basketball games. He also had a special interest in 16 millimeter large format films in which he collected current movies and provided entertainment from his home. Richard loved music and had a vast collection of records, recordings and reel to reel classics.

One of Richard's many talents was performing as a professional magician. He had a large repertoire of visual illusions in which he incorporated many tricks and disappearing acts for local churches, organizations and venues. Richard was a professional photographer and film developer. His services included portraits for hundreds of weddings, graduation and family events. He video taped numerous church and sports events, his children’s and grandchildren’s performances and their school events. Richard had a passion for sports, whether it be high school and college basketball, baseball, softball, tennis, the Cincinnati Reds or the Bengals. He had season tickets for many years to the Cincinnati Reds games. His love for sports carried over to his children and grandchildren who competed in high school and college sports.

For many years, Richard, served in the local churches as a deacon and Sunday School Superintendent. He supported Youth for Christ for many years, and opened up his home to provide a place for area youth to gather. Richard was a member of the Church of the Nazarene Fort Recovery.

Services are 11:00 am Monday, December 28, 2020 at the Church of the Nazarene, Fort Recovery, with Rich Hull Jr. and Pastor Brad Ratliff officiating. Burial will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery, Fort Recovery.

Friends may call from 9:30 am-10:50 am Monday at the Church of the Nazarene. CDC guidelines requiring the wearing of masks and social distancing will be followed during the visitation and service.

Contributions can be made to the Church of the Nazarene, P.O. Box 336, Fort Recovery, Ohio 45846.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brockman-Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.

Condolences may be directed to www.brockmanboeckmanfh.com.