Richard M. "Rick" Belknap

Richard “Rick” Belknap passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, surrounded by his family. He died due to complications from lung cancer at the age of 74.

Rick was born on January 10, 1944 in Dennison to the late Richard and Doris Metzger Belknap. He graduated from Midvale High School in 1962 where he excelled in track and basketball. Rick was elected to the all-county basketball team in 1962. After graduation, he went to work for the State Highway Department and also played for the Tuscarawas County Class A baseball team. He worked for Greer Steel from April of 1969 to January of 2002, having retired after 32 years of service. Rick was a driver for the Society of Equal Access (SEA) and was a crossing guard for Dover City Schools.

On January 8, 1966 he married Karen Wertz from New Cumberland, Ohio. The two were married for 53 years. In addition to Karen, Rick is also survived by their son, Brent Belknap; his two beautiful granddaughters, Olivia and Alana Belknap; his special rescue cat, Angel; sisters, Diana (Carl) Lawver, Joan (Chuck) Storrie, Debbie Lazette, Myra (Clay) Pancher and several nieces and nephews.

Rick enjoyed bowling, softball, muscle cars, motorcycles, frequent trips to casinos, especially to Las Vegas with his brother in law, Allen (Vonnie) Wertz. He was also an avid supporter of Dover Girls Basketball and West Liberty University Girls Basketball.

A big thanks to his special nurse, Jessica Wertz, and to the rest of the 8th floor staff at Mercy Medical Center. Rick will be remembered for his wittiness, sense of humor, and his ability to make anyone laugh. But most importantly, he will be remembered for his heartfelt kindness.

Cremation has been entrusted to the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Friday, September 28 from 6-8 pm. There are no services. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Rick may do so by visiting the online obituaries link on the funeral home’s website.