Richard Arthur Laitinen

Richard A. Laitinen, age 76, resident of Los Angles and Houston the past 48 years, died Friday, 4/26/19 at his residence in Houston.

He was born January 25, 1943 in Ashtabula, the son of Martin & Inez (Allen) Laitinen.  He resided in the Jefferson area growing up before going to Ohio State for six years, earning his bachelor and master’s degrees.  Richard worked a short time in Columbus before moving to Los Angeles in 1970, then on to Houston.  He was with Lakeland Petro Chemical Co. in Houston for 19 years prior to his retirement.

Richard was a member of the Jefferson United Methodist Church, also while in Jefferson he was active in the Jefferson Little League and American Legion Baseball.  He played basketball in high school.  Richard was an avid reader and golfer, he owned standard bred race horses and was a sports enthusiast, especially horse racing.

Survivors include a brother, David M. Laitinen of Columbus, an aunt, Alice Allen and several cousins including Sally Branch, Susan Toy, Terry McCoy, Nick Laitinen, Roberta Watson, Jane Stoneman, and Joe, Tom, Kathy, Jim & Susie Allen.  His parents and a sister, Judy Laitinen preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be Monday at 11:00 AM at the Jefferson United Methodist Church, 125 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson, OH with the Rev. Mick Gilliam officiating.  Burial will be in Dorset Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday from 10-11 AM prior to the service.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the Jefferson Little League, P. O. Box 69, Jefferson OH  44047.  The Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory and staff, Jefferson, Ashtabula & Geneva is honored to serve the Richard Laitinen family.  Express condolences, view obituary, light a candle or send flowers at fleming-billman.com.

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