WILMINGTON — Richard Arthur Plumb, 88, was born Jan. 16, 1929, in Fort Wayne, Ind., and passed away Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017.
He followed his father’s footsteps and went to barber school in Cincinnati, Ohio, at the age of 17. Richard cut hair in Fort Wayne, Ind., from 1949 until 1972, when he was elected president of the Barbers Beauticians and Cosmetologists Union. This victory took Richard and his family to Indianapolis, Ind., where he created the first of its kind, an advanced barber college. Leading the union in a new direction, Richard merged the Barbers Union with the United Food and Commercial Workers where he assumed an international vice president position. Richard was dedicated with providing benefits for his fellow barber professionals and devoted his career with creating a pension plan and insurance benefits.
In addition to working, Richard loved sports and fitness with his passions for basketball, tennis, cycling, golfing and being outdoors. Richard never tired in sharing this love of sports with his children and grandchildren and often organized many physical pursuits such as pick-up basketball games, “Plumb bike marathons” and golf outings. Richard was an avid reader and passionate about politics. Richard could carry on a conversation with anyone about anything. He was easygoing and truly enjoyed talking to everyone and anyone.
Above all, Richard and his wife Dolores loved being together. They said the secret to their 69 years of marriage was that they always had fun, through traveling, spending time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their passion of working to improve the lives of others was seen through their involvement with the Catholic Church, Handicapped Children and local politics. Richard and Dolores shared a special love and their greatest gift they gave their children was this love and their marriage. Their love will remain eternal.
Survivors include his loving wife, Dolores; children, Debbie, Chris, Matt, Tom, (twins, Mary and Caroline, preceded in death), twins, Patricia and Peter, Lawrence, Paula, Sally and Jennifer; 26 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
A memorial Mass will be held at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 22, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Rev. John McGee officiating. The family will greet friends at the church following the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard’s memory may be made online to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation.
Share online condolences with the family at andrewsmortuary.com.
