Donald "Dick" Moler

Donald "Dick" Richard Moler, age 92, died on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at his home in Mt. Orab, Ohio.  Dick was born March 15, 1924 to the late Wilford Moler and Nona Moler (Donley) in Mt. Orab, Ohio.  He was a long-standing member of the Mt. Orab United Methodist Church.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years - Leona Mae Moler (Cremer); one brother – Wilford Moler, Jr. and one sister – Rosita Iler.   He is survived by his son - Donald Richard Moler II of Mt. Orab, Ohio; daughter - Ricki Lee Moler of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania; grandson - Richard Michael Maietta of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania and many loving relatives and friends.

Dick Moler served in the United States Marine Corps during WWII with the Hells Bells Fighting 311 Squadron.  He saw combat on Okinawa, Marshal Islands, Roi Nemours, and Japan, receiving 2 Purple Hearts.  He also received citations from both Admiral Nimitz for bravery, and a citation for bravery and gallantry from President Harry Truman.  He was honorably discharged on December 2, 1945.

Upon return to Mt. Orab, Dick started the Moler Sign Company, now operated by his son.  Dick also served a time on the City Council of Mt. Orab.  He became an art teacher at Mt. Orab Local High School in 1966.  He received a Masters Degree in Business Administration and Design from the University of Cincinnati and was working on a doctorate.  He became an Administrator, Director, Assistant Superintendent and Placement Officer at Southern Hills Vocational School, helping organize the school before the current building was built.  He retired in 1986.

Dick was also a musician, starting his saxophone career at age 13. He played in local bands for nearly 40 years. He has played at Cincinnati Music Hall with the US Historic Band, and also on Midwestern Hayride with Chet Atkins.

Dick loved gardening, which he actively did until age 91.  He also had an avid interest in professional boxing.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Monday, July 11, 2016 at the Mt. Orab United Methodist Church, 212 Church Street, Mt. Orab, Ohio. Bruce Dickerson will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:30 A.M. Monday, July 11, 2016 at the church. Interment will be in the Mt. Orab Cemetery in Mt. Orab, Ohio.