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Richard Lee VanSickle, 79, of Winchester, KY left his earthly home Tuesday, March 21st surrounded by his children.

He was born on September 21st, 1943 in Marengo, Ohio, the son of the late Orland F. VanSickle and Mary F. (Spohn) VanSickle.

Richard graduated from Marengo High in 1961. He attended and played football for Capital State University and attended Eastern Kentucky University before starting his career as an engineer for IBM and Lexmark for almost 40 years. 

He was the best of fathers and will be incredibly missed by his children K. Scott VanSickle (Meg) and Terah LaDawn Hatton (Dale). Teaching them faith in the Lord, hard work, respect to the land, service to others and the love of family. He was the proud grandfather (Papa/Grandpa) of Austin Shelton, Kayleigh Shelton, Mason Hatton, Klay VanSickle, Ellie VanSickle, Allison Coder, Brooke Sargent, and Haley Thompson. A great grandfather to Willow, Rosalee, Brody, Paisley, Ava, Myla, Jace, Ellorie and Ruby.  He was the eldest brother to Lloyd VanSickle (Laura), David VanSickle (Barbara) and the late Alan VanSickle (Rita). He had many nieces and nephews that he loved and cherished.

A man of great faith, Richard was a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church for over 50 years, serving his church by being on the finance committee, Mildred Sunday School class and mowing team. He was always present.

He was the National Director of the American Hampshire Sheep Association for nine years, a Past President and member of the Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers, member of the 4-H Hall of Fame for his years of dedication and service, member and President of the Clark County Fairboard for several years. He enjoyed photography but his passion was his flock: family, church and sheep. If he wasn’t attending an event of one of his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, he was serving his church in one way or another but his day always began and ended with his love of the purebred Hampshire sheep that he raised since 1983. He began raising and showing sheep in the 1950s at his home in Marengo Ohio. He shared his passion with his children and that family legacy has grown on to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His family included those of the sheep community whether is was through buying and selling of animals, wool, meat or just sharing knowledge. He was an unwaivering supporter of all whom he loved. 

Services will be Monday, March 27th at his church, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, visitation at 11:30, services at 1 pm and burial to follow at Clarmont Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers are Dale Hatton, Mike Sallee, Jason Hall, Tommy Woods, Don Birch, Tony Hatton, OC Hamm and Thom Lewis. Honorary pallbearers Tommy Bunch, Fred Farris, Doug Hannah, Roy Turley, Sam Amburgey, Wendy Causey, Ben Powell, David Smith, Les Yazell and Endre Fink. 

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church at 6155 Mt. Sterling Rd., Winchester, KY.