Richard “Dick” Leo Platfoot, age 68, of Botkins, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 4th, 2026. He was born November 30th, 1957 to the late Herbert & Wilma (Boeke) Platfoot of Anna, Ohio.

He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings Betty Harshbarger and Bill Platfoot; brothers-in-law Roy Lea, Terry Billing, and Doug Bisher; mother-in-law Doris Bornhorst; and several grandbabies gone too soon.

He will be missed and remembered by his loving wife Joyce (Bornhorst) Platfoot of 45 years, 9 children and 9 in-laws: Keith & Erin Platfoot of Roswell, GA, Tami & Alan Russell of Piqua, Kim & Ben Uhlenhake of Coldwater, Jenny & Aaron Alig of Coldwater, Melanie & Tom Pestak of Xenia, Regina & Steven Schulze of Russia, Karrie & Jason Buehler of Anna, Kevin & Olivia Platfoot of Botkins, and Nathan & Erin Platfoot of Russia; along with 39 grandchildren: Connor and Elijah Platfoot; Dean and Juliet Russell; Austin, Courtney, Carson, Gavin, and Mason Uhlenhake; Audrey, Abby, AJ, Ryan, Rudy, Zach, Zane, and Gabe Alig; Gwendolyn, Catherine, John, Joseph, Thomas, and Brendan Pestak; Gianna, Hannah, Greta, Isaiah, and Micah Schulze; Lindsey, Roman, Zoey, and Luke Buehler; Alyssa, Xavier, Isaac, and Noah Platfoot; Lauren, Collin, and Liam Platfoot; and 3 grandchildren on the way; father-in-law Raymond Bornhorst; siblings & in-laws: Phyllis Lea, John & Rosey Platfoot, Diane Billing, Connie Bisher, Duane Platfoot, Sharon & Rick Staley, Steve Platfoot, Henry Harshbarger, Angie Platfoot, Ron & Diane Bornhorst, Lisa & Russ Slonecker, Marci & Jim Langenkamp, and Kelly & Gary Schmitmeyer.

Dick Platfoot was a devoted Catholic patriarch, a skilled entrepreneur, and a man who lived his faith through untiring service. An active parishioner of St. Lawrence Parish and a dedicated member of Shelby County Right to Life, Dick put his faith into action through every trade, task, and project he undertook.

In 2011, Dick founded Buckeye Electrical Products, Inc., located in Botkins. After two years of operating the business at their residence, Buckeye Electrical became the first business to build in the Botkins Industrial Park in 2013. Over the next several years, Dick and Joyce owned the electrical manufacturing business, which saw four building expansions, before Dick retired at the end of 2019.

A mechanical genius with a passion for farming, Dick built a successful business while using his talents to mentor the next generations. Through hands-on guidance, he passed along essential life skills to his children and grandchildren, showing them how hard work and community care can sanctify daily life. Dick was endlessly inventive and had a knack for creating fun from just about anything — building an ice skating rink, a swimming pool, and a zip line in his backyard over the years. He was also tirelessly charitable, always pouring out his time and energy to help others with home repairs, moving, or parish improvements.

Always quick with a warm smile or laugh, Dick lived without complaint and found his ultimate joy in the warmth of his family— going on family vacations and pilgrimages with his loving wife and spending time with his children and grandchildren. His legacy of faith, work ethic, and joy lives on through the family he so deeply loved.

Family and friends may share their condolences at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster from 2-8 PM on Thursday, October 8th, as well as on Friday, October 9th from 9-10 AM. A Mass of Christian burial, celebrated by Father Ethan Hoying, will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 9th, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He will be laid to rest at St. Lawrence Cemetery. A funeral luncheon will follow at the Palazzo in Botkins.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Holy Face of Jesus Parish or Mass stipends. Donations in his memory can be made at https://holyfaceparish.org/give/.