02/07/2022

Obituary for Richard J. Diehl

President/CEO and Father of Ingrid Ragland, both of Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service

Richard J. Diehl, President/CEO of Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service, in Columbus, died Monday, January 24, 2022, at the age of 75.

As a youngster growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, Richard lived above the family business established by his father, Diehl Funeral Home on Belmont Avenue, and graduated from The Rayen (High) School in the class of 1964. In addition to earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and a Master of Business Administration, he completed his mortuary studies at Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and his apprenticeship at Ball Funeral Home in Cleveland.

Richard was a Vietnam Veteran and was licensed by the state of Ohio as a Funeral Director and Embalmer for nearly 50 years. In 1969, the Diehl family acquired "Mrs. D.A. Whittaker & Sons" located at the corner of East Long Street and Hamilton Avenue, in Columbus. Early in his career, Richard often commuted between the two facilities. Shortly after the death of his father in 1973, the Youngstown location was discontinued, and in 1977, Richard built the existing facility on the site of the Whittaker establishment. It was at this time that the firm's name was changed to Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service.

In the years that followed, Richard remained dedicated to serving Columbus' bereaved families with a high standard of professional integrity while offering "Dignified Service, Affordably Priced." With his forward thinking and sharpened business acumen, he was an innovator within the deathcare industry. Richard often found ways to put unprecedented, unconventional concepts into practice such as hiring a full-time funeral director/insurance agent dedicated solely to advanced planning; and implementing the use of rental caskets for families who desire to have a funeral prior to cremation. And, he constantly, yet quietly, re-invested his time and resources into the business, his employees and various organizations and endeavors within his community.

His memberships and local affiliations have included New Salem Baptist Church; St. Mark's Lodge No. 7; Columbus Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi; The Thursday Noonday Luncheon Club; Central Ohio Funeral Directors Association (as well as OFDA), and serving as a board member of the former Isabelle Ridgway Care Center, just to name a few.

In his personal time, Richard logged many hours in the sky as an avid, amateur pilot. He also enjoyed listening to music of all genres and watching historical documentaries. His most cherished moments were those spent in the company of his beloved family and close, personal friends. We, too, will cherish those moments and remain forever grateful for his unconditional love, support and guidance that added great blessings to our lives.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Estelle Baskerville Diehl; children, Ingrid (Kevin) Ragland and Aaron Diehl; and a host of other relatives, many wonderful friends, and his extended family of Diehl-Whittaker staff and associates.

We would like to express sincere appreciation to our loved ones, friends and the community at large for the outpouring of prayers, sympathy, care and concern we have received from around the country since the news of Richard's death. We also give special acknowledgement and thanks to Dr. Hatab, Dr. Jain, nurses, Aaron, Caitlyn, Paige and the entire 11th floor ICU medical team who attentively cared for Richard's needs as well as our family's needs during his time at OSU Medical Center.

In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider a monetary gift in Richard's memory to his college alma mater Morgan State University (Baltimore, MD), or Lifeline of Ohio.