Richard D. Garmatter was a farmer and worked for Lima Ford Engine Plant
UPDATED.
Richard D. Garmatter, 85, passed away June 14, 2024 at his home. Richard was born June 14, 1939 in Hancock County, OH, to Eli and Elvina (Tschiegg) Garmatter who preceded him in death. On August 5, 1961, he married Arlene (Basinger) Garmatter who survives.
Richard graduated from Bluffton High School. He retired from the Lima Ford Engine Plant and was a lifelong farmer. He was a member of Ebenezer Mennonite Church, Bluffton where he served as an usher and as a trustee. He was an avid Ohio State Buckeye's fan. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially attending his grandchildren's events.
He is survived by his wife, Arlene Garmatter of Bluffton; two children, Kathy (Wendell) Adams of Kenton and Randy (Christy) Garmatter of Bluffton; five grandchildren, Jake (Hali) Biery of Rawson, Nicole Biery of Rawson, Jordyn Garmatter of Bluffton, Cody Garmatter of Bluffton, and Levi Biery of Kenton; three step-grandchildren, Parker, Amelia, and Matilda Mason of Rawson; brothers-in-laws, Alan Frysinger of Bluffton, Steve (Stephanie) Basinger of Kansas, and Bill Tidyman of Nebraska; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Frysinger and sister-in-law, Marlene Tidyman.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 21, 2024 at Ebenezer Mennonite Church, Bluffton with pastors Dick Potter and Nick Ringger officiating. Burial will be in Ebenezer Mennonite Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ebenezer Mennonite Church, Missions fund or Gideon's International.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com/
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, June 5, 2026
- Stay tuned for Pirate action at OHSSA state track and field coverage
- Ada Icon headlines, June 5
- Wheeler graduates from Ohio Bankers League Bank Leadership Institute
- Ellerbrock awarded Lima Memorial Nursing Alumnae Scholarship
- Pirate speedsters Wright and Miller each advance to 2 state finals
- Golfers, sponsors invited to support American Legion fundraiser
- Letter: Alternatives to Village mosquito fogging
Thursday, June 4, 2026
- Eileen Ruth Garmatter was a homemaker
- Elnore Ruth (Rosenberger) Yost taught at Marimor
- WGTE and WBGU create broadcasting partnership
- ICYMI: May 2026 Bluffton Icon Highlights
- Shoppers' journey with Bluffton Small Business Passport has begun
- Middle and high school student activities at BPL
- Local artist Crumrine to teach Watercolor Workshop at Library
- Lacrosse or La Crosse: Game versus virus
- 2027 Senior Center trip planning, June 11
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
- Cory-Rawson High School honor roll for fourth quarter, 2025-2026
- Bluffton High School 4th Qtr. Honor Roll for 2025-2026
- June 4 Business Collective speed networking event
- K-2 students invited to weekly dinosaur adventures
- Library program explores indigenous agriculture and heirloom seeds
- May 2026 land transfers in the Bluffton school district
- Register June 18-19-20 garage sales with Bluffton Chamber
- Create a Bike & Flowers painting at BPL
Monday, June 1, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, June 1
- Geraldine "Gerry" Fett was a homemaker
- UPDATED Bluffton gas station employee threatened, suspect arrested May 30
- Maurice “Bill” William Croft, Jr. was a coach and high school teacher
- UPDATE Bluffton pool opening June 1
- What brings you to Bluffton, Ohio in June 2026?
- About free and paid Icon classified ads
- Mennonite Children’s Choir of Lancaster to perform June 12