Richard K. Diehl passed away peacefully in his daughter's home at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. Richard was born in Emmaus, Pa. on Oct. 25, 1932 to Ambrose and Marguerite Diehl. He graduated from Emmaus High School in 1950. Richard then joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and traveled the world for four years aboard the destroyer, the U.S.S. Picking. He served as radar operator and aided in the rescue missions of numerous downed pilots in enemy territory. After completing his service, Richard returned to Emmaus High School for a year to take college preparatory classes before enrolling in Penn State in 1955. He married his girlfriend, music teacher Shirley Irene Kemmerer, in 1957. Richard graduated from Penn State in 1959 with a degree in chemical engineering, and began his career with Firestone in Potts-town, Pa. Richard and Shirley's daughter, Lisa, was born in 1965. The family moved to Baton Rouge, La. in 1978, where Richard began work as Plant Engineer at the new Firestone facility he helped design in Addis, La. The plant was eventually sold to Occidental Petroleum Corp., where Richard worked as a consultant before retiring to start his new job as the loving "Pop Pop" to four grandchildren. Richard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley Diehl, daughter Lisa Ann Diehl, MD, and son-in-law Burl E. Forgey IV, MD. Richard cherished his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Quint, Henry Richard, and George. He is preceded by his brother, Lawson, and is survived by siblings Gerald, Eileen and Arlan. Services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 3 p.m. in St. Paul Lutheran Church at 2021 Tara Blvd. in Baton Rouge, La. Richard was a supporter of Heifer International. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to fund the purchase of a camel through this organization.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
we have lost a dear friend. our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Doris & Elmer mory
November 26, 2013
I couldn't be there in person but I was there in thought and prayer. Love to Shirley, Lisa, Gene, Elizabeth, Quint, Henry, and George.
From your loving brother-in-law and Uncle,
Jules
Julius Schneider
November 21, 2013
Hunter and I extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Mr. Diehl was a lovely man with a kind heart and word. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Hunter & Kandi Bridges
November 20, 2013
I wanted to make doubly sure you our sympathy message was recorded. Ill always remEMber dick and his cOrky remarks and alwaYS WITH A SMILE
dALE STEPHENS
November 19, 2013
Cathy and I send our deepest sympathy
DALE sTEPHENS
November 19, 2013
Our thoughts,love and prayers are with your family at this most difficult time.
Glen & Rita Eberts
November 19, 2013
Shirley, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Richard. I have so many fond memories of you and your parents at your home and Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church. I remember how kind,gentle and friendly Richard was to my mom and dad and myself! My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am retired from teaching, 64 years old, living for 23 years North of Allentown in Schnecksville. I often think back to the times at Trinity and how wonderful Allentown was to grow up. Very sincerely, Susan and Bob Fegley
5123 Timber Lane
Schnecksville, PA.
18078
610-760-0221
Robert Fegley
November 19, 2013
Shirley,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Shirley Clauser
November 19, 2013
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