Richard Earl Christensen, 78, passed away Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at Crystal Care Center of Ashland after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease.

Richard was born in Warren, Pennsylvania on September 3, 1931, to Helen (Malm) and Earl C. Christensen.

Richard was a member of First Methodist Church in Warren, PA. and very active in Boy Scouts, having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

After graduating from Warren High School in 1949 and Pennsylvania State University, where he participated in their baseball programs, he spent a short time with the Cleveland Indians before being drafted into the Korean War. He obtained his MBA from Ashland College in 1986.

He taught accounting and other business courses as an Adjunct Professor at Ashland College and Ashland University at offcampus locations, including Mansfield and Grafton Correctional Facilities.

Richard held many financial positions during his working career with Dresser Industries, Colt Industries, Nordberg Manufacturing and Hydromatic Pump. He owned and operated Wayne County Credit Bureau and R. E. Christensen & Associates until retirement. He also served as treasurer of Trinity Lutheran Church.

He married Mary Adams and they had two children, James and Barbara. In 1979 he married Peggy Biederman.

Richard is survived by his wife, Peggy; children, James (Christy) Christensen of Las Vegas, NV; Barbara Gremling of Elida, Ohio, Rex (Margaret) Biederman of Fairfield, Ohio, Beth (Tim) Thomas of Dublin, Ohio, and Jerry (Janet) Biederman of Westerville, Ohio and many grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, Hazel.

Burial will be held at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Ashland Youth Baseball, c/o Jeff Richey, P.O. Box 942, Ashland, Ohio 44805.