Richard C. Loscomb

Richard C. Loscomb was a bit of a prankster, but he always knew how to make people smile. He was a loving husband, a caring father and a cherished grandfather and friend to many. We will hold the memories of him close to our hearts as we endure the feelings of loss without him in our lives.

The 1950s decade was a time of confidence for Americans. It is often called the Baby Boomer era, for people were relieved to leave behind WWII and the Great Depression and were ready to start families, earn a good living, and live a normal life. It was also a time during which the economy was consumer-led, and spending was at a high because people had jobs to earn money. This was the period of time in which teenagers earned a bit of a place in society because rock-n-roll was a tremendous influence on pop culture, and teens ruled in that respect.

The year of 1952, in particular, made a place for itself in the history books. Continuing with the theme of consumerism, American homes enjoyed many modern ways of life: 1 in 3 homes owned at least one television, 2 in 3 homes had a telephone, and 3 in 5 homes owned at least one automobile. Mr. Potato Head was one of the first toy commercials to appear on television and was created in this year to encourage children to eat their vegetables! Also popular on the screen was the Today Show which made its debut during this year. As if all that was not enough, a person could, for the first time in life, enjoy crispy and delicious fried chicken at the new Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise. Closer to home, in Portsmouth, Virgina, Alfred Corkin and Edna Robinsin (Smith) Loscomb were expecting a precious baby. On August 12, 1952, they welcomed their sweet son, Richard.

Richard spent his childhood growing up in Virginia. He attended the local schools and graduated from Highland Springs High School with the class of 1970. After graduating, he worked for the local fire department and EMS in Virginia and in Columbia City. Eventually, life led him to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Here he found work at the Allen County Jail as a confinement officer. He also worked at Petroleum Traders and Lassus Brothers.

Though Richard kept busy earning his keep as an adult, soon love found him. His soon to be wife, Terry Gramlin, stole his heart. Before too long, the happy couple exchanged wedding vows on December 30, 1988, in Fort Wayne. The newlyweds settled into married life and began their adventure in life together. Soon, their family began to grow. They welcomed their two precious daughters, Sam and Sara, into their lives to make the Loscomb family complete. They spent many wonderful times together creating amazing memories. The Kings Island Boat ride was an especially good time, as were the annual October trips to grandma and grandpas home for chili cookouts.

Richard was always the prankster! He really loved to play jokes on Terry the most! He would often run up to her and look at her with weird wide open eyes looking down. One time he even put a shoe soul into her pillow! He would do the craziest things to make people laugh.

In times of solitude, Richard enjoyed taking photographs and fondly admired his collection of antiques. He also took great pride in his Franklin Mint and firetruck collections. Of course, his furry friends kept him in constant good company - he was never really alone with his 8 boxers! Sometimes, however, merely settling in for some television entertainment was enough. His favorites included Leave it to Beaver, Father Knows Best, Bewitched, and Andy Griffith shows. One of his favorite movies was A League of Their Own. Richard had a spiritual side which would take him to his church, Dupont Bible Church.

As Sara and Sam matured and found love of their own, Richard and Terry looked forward to the future together. They joyfully celebrated the gift of grandchildren one by one. Ava, Rosalie, and Jax were the light of Richards life. He thoroughly enjoyed watching their innocence and playful ways.

Sadly, Richard left us too soon. At the age of 64, he passed away on April 21, 2017, at 9:26 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We will never forget the way he worked for smiles with his loving pranks. We share so many happy memories together. Richard will be greatly missed by all of us, and we will never forget him.

Survivors include his loving wife Terry of Columbia City; daughters Samantha (John) Dougherty and Sara (John) Abbott both of Columbia City; grandchildren Ava (Abbott) Agler and Rosalie and Jax Dougherty.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Friends may call on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, from 1-8 pm at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

Funeral services for Richard will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, April 27, 2017, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in memory of Richard may be made to Whitley County Humane Society.

Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send a condolence or sign the online guest register.