Richard Edward Steinke

Richard Edward Steinke, age 78, of Sidney formerly of Anna, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 2:25 AM at Ohio Hospice of Miami County. He was born on April 10, 1946, in Sidney the son of James Richard and Lucille (Schierholt) Steinke who preceded him in death.

Richard is survived by his loving family, wife Joan Diane (Staley) Steinke who he married on July 30, 1977, children Michelle (Philip) Rohrer of Urbana, twin siblings Melissa (Kyle) Brandewie of Houston and Michael (Amy) Steinke of Fort Riley, Kansas, grandchildren Samantha, twin siblings Piper & Cecilia Rohrer, Cole, Lucas, Trey, Harper Brandewie, and Paisley Steinke, and twin brother James (Nancy) Steinke of Sidney.

Richard was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law David A. (Pam) Steinke.

Richard was a 1965 graduate of Anna High School. He served his country proudly with the United States Army 1965-1969 where unfortunately his exposure to Agent Orange took another veteran. He served the community for 30 years with the Shelby County Sheriff's Department. He implemented the first 911 system for Shelby County. His children Michael and Melissa made the very first 911 call in 1992. Richard retired as a lieutenant having been in charge of Dispatcher, Road Patrol, Jail and SWAT. He was also a volunteer firefighter for 40 years, serving Civil Defense and the Anna Fire Department. He was on the committee to start the Shelby County Firefighter Association. He was firefighter of the year in 1983 and in 2008 he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Shelby County Firefighters Association. He was also a lifetime member of the Anna American Legion Heiland Post 446 where he held the position of Commander of Post 2003-2004, Shelby County Commander 2018-2019, VFW, 40&8, DAV, and Vietnam Veterans. He served on the Shelby County Veterans Commission for 10 years and was an Anna Councilman for 4 years.

His best time was following his children and grandchildren in all their activities. Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather. He will be missed by all who love him including his dog, Bubba.

Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home with Rev. Mic Althauser officiating. Burial to follow at Pearl Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the funeral home.

Donations can be made to Ohio Hospice of Miami County, Shelby County Veterans Commission and SCARF. Condolences many be expressed to the family at www.cromefh.com

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