Richard Allen Brownell, Sr., age 90 of Lima, died at 2:10 p.m., Monday, March 20, 2017 at Lima Memorial Hospital. He was born February 11, 1927 in Bellefontaine, Ohio; to the late Emma G. Benson Smith. On September 12, 1948 he married Ruth Ann Barnes on who died February 16, 2011.

Mr. Brownell retired from Ford Motor Company. He was an U.S. Army Veteran serving during World War II and a member of the Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Wells, FL and had attended the Lima Baptist Temple Church. He had worked in the local theaters for over 30 years as a projectionist and was an actor in the Black Hills Passion Plays in Lake Well, Florida for 15 years and Spearfish, SD. For over 50 years he had been a member of the Lions Club where he had served as President. He had a passion for learning about automobiles, having a wealth of knowledge, and becoming a great mechanic. He loved playing BINGO, cherished his family and his cat companion, Jasper.

Survivors include 2 sons – Richard Allen (Roberta Lynne) Brownell, Jr. of Lima; John R. Brownell of Lima; 6 grandchildren – Jeffrey, Kristi, Steven, Thomas, Stephanie, Tiffany, and 13 great grandchildren – Dalia, Azalea, Xsavier, Jeanie, Isabella, Emma, James, Richard Allen III, Lela, Ava, Jhordai, Jhe’anna, and Jaiceon.

He was preceded in death by a son Robert Brownell and a granddaughter – Jean Ann.

Funeral services will begin 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 24, 2017 at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville. Rev. Gary Homan and Rev. Ed Ingram will officiate. Burial will follow in Fairmount Cemetery, near Uniopolis. Military rites will be observed by the V.F.W. Post 8445 of Wapakoneta.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.