Richard Wayne Arbaugh, age 78, of Circleville, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, March 21, 2026. While he passed away following an accident on the mountain he loved, his family rests in the profound peace of the Savior he served so faithfully throughout his life.
Born March 22, 1947, he was a son of the late Willie David and Regana (Wimer) Arbaugh. On November 1, 1968, he married the love of his life, Reva Alice Dice. Their 57 years of marriage was the cornerstone of a beautiful 63-year journey together.
A man of steady hands and a tireless work ethic, Rich worked for Inter-State Hardwoods, Inc. for 45 years. Beyond his professional life, his greatest passion was his faith. He was a trustee and a pillar of the North Fork Church of the Brethren, where he loved expressing his joy through music, playing on Sunday mornings for the congregation he loved so dearly.
Alongside his brothers and later his sons, Rich was an avid men’s slow-pitch softball player for over 20 years, serving as captain of the team. He was known for his encouraging spirit, his love of the outdoors, and the deep, lifelong friendship he shared for many decades with Henry Bennett.
In addition to his beloved wife, Reva, he is survived by two sons, Ronnie Arbaugh (Maggie) and Sheldon Arbaugh (Lauren Michelle); one daughter, Amanda Rexrode (Tim); and four grandchildren, Sierra, Austin, Lauren Brooke (Tyler), and Hannah.
He is also survived by his siblings, Regana “Olive” Thompson (Nathan); Larry Arbaugh (Jean); Billy Arbaugh (Gae); Kermit Arbaugh (Helen); Dwight Arbaugh (Linda); Johnny Arbaugh (Debbie) and Galen Arbaugh (Bonnie); sister-in-law, Betty Arbaugh; sister-in-law, Loretha Vandevander; and several special nephews and nieces.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Lonnie Arbaugh; sister-in-law, Shirley Dice-Sites; and brother-in-law, Delbert Vandevander.
The family received friends on Wednesday, March 25 at Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin.
A funeral service was held on Thursday, March 26 in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Dan Arbogast officiating. Interment was at the Richard Arbaugh Family Cemetery, 1042 Dice Warner Rd., Circleville.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Pastor Dan Arbogast for his years of love, guidance and service to the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the North Fork Church of the Brethren, the Circleville Volunteer Fire Department or the North Fork Rescue Squad.
Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.kimblefuneralhome.com
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin, West Virginia.
