Date of Death:  4/26/1999

Richard S. "Rick" Poetter

Wadsworth Twp.-  Richard S. "Rick" Poetter, 45, of Wadsworth Township, died unexpectedly April 26, 1999, while coaching a track meet at Highland Middle School.

     Rick was born in Wadsworth and was a lifelong resident of the Wadsworth area.  He was a 1972 graduate of Wadsworth High School, and received his B.S. degree in education from the University of Akron.  He taught health and physical education at Highland Local Schools for 23 years, and coached football, baseball, and track.  Rick was member of Emanuel United Church of Christ, the Church Consistory, the Bell Choir, and HEA.  He was an avid golfer and bowler.

     Rick is survived by wife, Mary Ellen (nee Smith); children, Carrie, Jenny and Brian, all of the residence; parents, Paul and Shirley of Wadsworth, brothers and wives, Dr. Rod and Violet of Ocala, Fla., David and Holly of Wadsworth; sister and husband, Nancy and Stuart Perry of Doylestown; father and mother-in-law, Leo and Bonnie Smith; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Tom Smith, Mike and Margo Smith, Jim and Sue Fajt, Allen and Barb Lesure, Jim and Lisa Smith, Steve and Jessi Smith, all of Wadsworth, Jody Smith of Akron; numerous aunts,  uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

     The family will receive friends today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm at the Hilliard Cox Mullaney Funeral Home, 174 N. Lyman St., Wadsworth; and one hour prior to services at the church.  Funeral services Friday, 1 p.m., at Emanuel United Churchof Christ, 16 Eastern Rd., Doylestown, Rev. James Edwards officiating. Interment at the church cemetary.  Contributions may be made to Emanuel United Church of Christ Memorial Fund, Multiple Sclerosis Society, or Highland High School Athletic Department Fund for his children.  (Hilliard Cox Mullaney, 334-1501.)