November 22, 1930 - April 7, 2024
RP
Retired teacher, garden columnist, never stopped learning, teaching
Richard E. Poffenbaugh, 93, passed away on Sunday April 7, 2024.. He was lucky to have so many wonderful caregivers for the past two years. Thanks to our kind nurses and staff at Wedgewood Estates, Feridean Commons, and Capital City Hospice, he was comforted daily with incredible care.
Richard was born on November 22, 1930 to parents Sevilla (Feik) and Harvey Poffenbaugh. Richard graduated from Ashland University and The Ohio State University with a masters degree. He met his beloved wife, Barbara, In Mt. Gilead Ohio. Richard and Barbara were married for 63 years. He missed Barb so much since her passing in 2022 and his family feels so happy knowing he is finally with his angel, Barbara and daughter Beth Ann. He is survived by his daughters Deb (Gary), Cathy (Patrick), grandchildren Catherine (Cam), Allie, Enzo, Ashley (Jake), Anthony, cousin Judy (Don) Perman, sister in law, Dorothy Baker, nephews and nieces Kevin and Kim Baker and family, Kent and Kathy Baker and family, and Michael Doran.
Richard loved life in his gardens, classroom at Mansfield Senior High (especially that 3rd floor greenhouse!), typing his weekly garden column and Mansfield Men's Garden Club newsletter in his den on his trusty IBM typewriter. He loved his "In The Garden" column in the Mansfield News Journal for 30 years while photographing plants in his yard. Richard's Men's Garden Club newsletter was a highlight of his life too. He was proud of his work with the Ontario Planning Commission for 16 years as well as 9 years on the Ontario village council. Richard loved sharing the story of when The OSU campus opened in Mansfield and he was privileged to be an evening instructor for ten years teaching biology and horticulture. His love of nature stemmed from visiting his Grandma & Grandpa Feik's farm in Crestline, Ohio. As a young boy he would fish and watch the trains go past the family farm.
"RP" left his legacy throughout Mansfield due to his advice for growing flowers, vegetables, fruit and trees. He truly loved sharing his knowledge so others could see the beauty in gardening. He was a lifetime member of the International Lilac Society and yankee doodle was his all-time favorite lilac. Peonies, Mr. Lincoln red rose, tulips, daffodils, yukon gold potatoes and lima beans were among his favorites to grow also. The highlight of Dad's day was reading his five newspapers and drinking his coffee to catch up on all of the news!
Richard requested no funeral or fuss. In memory of our Dad we hope many people will take a stroll thru the beautiful Kingwood Center Gardens in Mansfield or simply just enjoy a day of nature as he did. Richard will join his parents, wife and daughter Beth Ann in Mansfield Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Ontario, Ohio with a graveside family service at a later date.
Condolences
Barbara J. Eakins - Apr 16, 2024
Sincere sympathy to your family. It was so good to read the celebration of Mr. Poffenbaugh's life. Back in the day when Mother's Clubs were popular, I asked him if he would come to my home to talk to our group about gardening and what he did . He agreed, and it was such a very interesting evening. He gave us a leaflet with some of his favorite recipes listed. I still have it. I always enjoyed reading his articles in the Mansfield News Journal. Then when the garden club issued a cookbook, I had to buy it. It is so much fun to read and use the recipes. He certainly was a very special person. I am so glad that your family has such wonderful memories of a loved one whose life was so well lived.
Patricia English-Johnson - Apr 15, 2024
It was a privilege to have had Mr. Poffenbaugh as my Biology teacher at MSH. He was a soft spoken, knowledgeable teacher. I also served on Village of Ontario council with him. My daughter was a student of Mrs. Poffenbaugh at Ontario MS.
Linda S Hager - Apr 15, 2024
Mr. Poffenbaugh was my Biology teacher. He was so interesting, kind, and patient. I will never forget him. May the Good Lord comfort you in the loss of your precious loved one.
Carol Bertholf - Apr 15, 2024
My condolences on the your father's death. He was a rock for your family and loved you very much. May the lessons he taught you live on through you and your grand children. Blessings.
Nurse Debbie - Apr 14, 2024
Deb, my heart goes out to you & your family. He was so lucky to be lovingly cared for by you & your sister! It was an honor to care for him! Sending love!🌺
Daniel Bishop - Apr 12, 2024
I first met Richard Poffenbaugh when I started teaching at Mansfield Senior High School and he was the department chairman. In those days, the science department would eat lunch in our rooms and then we would gather in Mr. Pofffenbaugh's room to have conversations. Sometimes current events and sometimes school issues were discussed. I was inspired by Mr. Poffenbaugh to be a better teacher and a better person.
Arun Ranchod - Apr 12, 2024
My condolences to the Poffenbaugh family. I knew Mr. Poffenbaugh through my friend Beth. I will always remember the gleam in his eye when he started talking about his garden or some aspect of gardening. He leaves a legacy of honoring the art of horticulture and the power and passion of the beauty found in nature. Rest in Peace Mr. P.
Christopher Howard - Apr 11, 2024
My deepest condolences to this great man's family and loved ones.
Cheryl Jackman Gregg - Apr 11, 2024
Mr Poffenbaugh was both my Horticulture teacher and Biology teacher in Mansfield Senior. Every day in class was an adventure and a challenge. He was a strict teacher, who pushed us to do our very best! I have many fond memories of dissecting creatures as well as planting beautiful plants and learning about horticulture. He was truly a kind, caring person and he will be greatly missed!
Cheryl Jackman Gregg - Apr 11, 2024
Mr Poffenbaugh was both my Horticulture teacher and Biology teacher in Mansfield Senior. Every day in class was an adventure and a challenge. He was a strict teacher, who pushed us to do our very best! I have many fond memories of dissecting creatures as well as planting beautiful plants and learning about horticulture. He was truly a kind, caring person and he will be greatly missed!
Lorie Carter - Apr 11, 2024
Mr. Poffenbaugh was such a joy to take care of and with familiarity of being a Mansfield native, I became Malabar Lorie. All the history and stories he had were priceless. Capital City Hospice extends condolences to his family. Deb and Cathy you made your dad proud. Thanks for the opportunity to be his RN Case Manager.