Richard Allan "Shorty" Persons

Richard Allan "Shorty" Persons, age 66, of New Philadelphia died Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 3:06 a.m. in his home under the loving care of his wife and Lifecare Hospice.

He was born August 17, 1958, on the US Airforce Base in Chiseldon, England; a son of the late Lloyd Edward Persons and Ellen Regan Persons.

Shorty attended Lakeland High School and retired from US Navy Reserves after twenty-five years; three years active and 22 years reserve time. He was proud of his military career.

He was employed by Dover Hydraulics, Inc. from March 17, 1986, until he retired in December of 2024. Shorty was a faithful employee and worked for thirty-eight years under a wonderful man, the late Robert Sensel. Being a hard worker and very devoted to Dover Hydraulics, he never missed a day of work.

Shorty was a member of AA since January 1, 1996 and has met and helped a lot of people through that organization. He was a humble and kind man, to know him was to love him. When not working, he made his family a priority and loved spending time with them and going on vacations to the beach.

On September 19, 2003, at an AA meeting, God introduced Shorty to a loving, caring, and supportive lady, Denise Walter. She was the love of his life and she seldom left his side for the last twenty-two years.

Surviving in addition to his soulmate, Denise, are a daughter, Kaleena Persons, of Holloway; two step-daughters: Vanessa and Vicki; six grandchildren: Nathan, Jaylyn, Kaleigh, Jace, Rhyleigh, and Lillilynn; his siblings: Carlene (Jerry) Simplican, Den (Robin) Romshak, Steve (Patti) Romshak, Cody (Patty) Romshak, and Diana (Denny) Ballog; his sister-in-law, Jennifer (Philip) Rhoney; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the man that raised him, Carl Romshak; and a brother, Claude "Bun" Romshak,

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Koch Funeral Home, 216 S High Street, Freeport.

Military Honors by the Newcomerstown Honor Guard and Sharing of Memories by Nick Puskarich will take place graveside in Greenmont Union Cemetery, Freeport on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio's Hospice Foundation, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia OH 44663.

Arrangements were entrusted to Koch Funeral Home in Freeport.

Online condolences may be made at www.kochfuneralhome.net