Richard C. DeHart

Richard C. DeHart, 87, passed away in Lakeland, Florida on Thursday, January 22, 2015 peacefully in his sleep. He was the son of the late Clarence and Kathryn DeHart. Born in Philippi, West Virginia, he graduated in 1945 from Allegany High School in Cumberland, Maryland where he was captain of the basketball and baseball teams and class president. His first job was as a car-coupler on the B&O Railroad. He served in the Navy during WWII as a Hospital Apprentice in Panama. After being honorably discharged, using the G.I. Bill, he graduated from West Virginia University majoring in Health and Physical Education. He completed graduate work at West Virginia and Temple Universities. Upon graduation he held various teaching jobs in Maryland. He married Wanda Lee Shobe in 1951 and took a teaching position in Ocean City, Maryland. His first college post was at Davis and Elkins College in West Virginia where he was Athletic Director. In 1956 the family moved to Millersville State Teachers College where he would remain until his retirement in 1985. While at Millersville he taught Health and Physical Education, biology and other courses. He is most known for his outstanding coaching ability, particularly basketball: 321 career wins and 298 losses. Under his direction, Millersville basketball teams made it to National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Tournament six times. He is a member of the Millersville University Athletic Hall of Fame. He enjoyed playing bridge, reading biographies and was an avid golfer. He was a member of The First United Methodist Church, Millersville. His wife, in 2003, and brothers, Thomas and Jon, preceded him in death. Three daughters, Jane Shipley of Harrisburg, Molly Henderson of Lancaster, and Kathryn Berger of Cape Carteret NC, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren survive him. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Dick’s Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 30th 2015 at The Groffs Funeral Home, 528 W. Orange Street, (located at the corner of Orange and Pine Sts), Lancaster, PA with the Reverend John A. Laughlin, Sr. officiating. The family will greet friends from 12:00 Noon until the time of service. Interment will be at the Millersville Mennonite Cemetery, Millersville, PA. In lieu of flowers gifts may be directed to Millersville University to the Richard DeHart Basketball Scholarship, Millersville University Development Office, Millersville, PA 17551.

Richard C. DeHart

January 24, 2015