Paul E. Richard, 83, of Fort Loramie-Swanders Road, Sidney, died March 13, 2010, at his home.

He was born Dec. 19, 1926, near Russia, to Leo A. and Josephine A. Watrin Richard. On Aug. 2, 1952, he married Ruth E. Luthman, who survives.

Also surviving are 11 children, Donald Richard, McCartyville, Susan (Gary) Schulze, Russia, Jeanne (Craig) Inman, McCartyville, Edward (Cathy) Richard, Minster, Sharon (James) Butz, Piqua, William (Jaynie) Richard, Troy, David (Sonja) Richard, McCartyville, Michael (Christina) Richard, McCartyville, Thomas (Traci) Richard, Minster, Jack Richard, McCartyville, and Patricia (Travis) Lawson, Sidney; four siblings, Mary Margaret Ecabert, Versailles, Florence (Robert) Bruns, St. Henry, Theresa (Ben) Arkenberg, Fort Loramie, and Eugene (Dorothy) Richard, Versailles; 37 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Deceased are a son, Gary Richard; a grandson; and nine siblings, Marie, Floyd, Wilma, Cletus, Rita, Lewis, Leroy, Robert and Rosemary.

He retired from LeRoi/Dresser Industries and attended Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in McCartyville. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and was a member of Knights of Columbus #5239 and the Shelby County Right to Life.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. John W. Tonkin officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Contributions can be made for Masses in Paul's name or the Shelby County Right to Life.

Condolences can be left at www.gehretfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Gehret Funeral Home, Fort Loramie.