Richard Absher Obituary

Richard Logan Absher

Born: October 8, 1930

Died: October 22, 2018

Richard Logan Absher, Colonel US Army Retired of Oak Ridge, TN. Dick, 88, of Oak Ridge, TN, passed away unexpectedly on October 22, 2018 of an apparent stroke.

He was born October 8, 1930 in Newton, MA to the late Clyde B. and Grace I. Absher originally from Vermillion, SD. Dick was raised in Downers Grove, IL where he graduated from Downers Grove High School in 1948. He was a proud Coyote and graduate of the University of South Dakota where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1952 and law degree in 1954 while participating in the Army ROTC program and serving in the National Guard. Dick earned his MBA from George Washington University while being stationed at the Pentagon. His Army career lasted more than 30 years where he served in the Quartermaster Corp in Germany, Korea, Panama, Vietnam and duty stations in the U.S. including Fort Lee, VA, Fort Hood TX, Fort Monroe, VA, the Pentagon and his final post at the Defense Industrial Supply Center in Philadelphia.

After retiring as a Colonel in 1980, Dick moved to Oak Ridge, TN where he was a procurement officer for Union Carbide and Martin Marietta. He spent his later years pursuing his love of travel and photography on road trips across the U.S. Throughout his life, Dick owned several sports cars, and participated in sports car racing and SCCA autocrosses.

Dick is survived by his son, Bryan Absher (Maggie Cho-Absher); his daughters, Lisbeth [Betsy] Absher-Popeck (Bart Popeck) and Lynne Absher (Randy Chesnutt); his brother, Clark Absher (Karen Absher); and his grandchildren, Elena Chesnutt, Ian Cho, Ingrid Cho, Matthew Popeck, and Carter Absher. He is also survived by his longtime companion, Judith Franklin; and the mothers of his children, Patricia Maiorano-Reneman and Lorena Patten.

He is predeceased by his son, Daniel Absher; and grandson, Alex Popeck.

Notes of condolence can be sent to the Absher children at 5709 Granby Road, Rockville, MD 20855.

Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.