Richard H. Loose

Richard H. Loose, 97, of Martinsburg, went home to be with his Lord early Monday morning, April 24, 2023, at The Village of Morrisons Cove.

He was born in Martinsburg, son of the late John F. and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Loose. Richard was twice married, first on April 12, 1952, he married Patricia Louise Kessler at the Fifth Avenue Methodist Church, Altoona, and she preceded him in death March 29, 1973. Then on April 21, 1995, he married Christine A. Carper at the Woodbury Church of the Brethren and she passed away on August 24, 2013.

He is survived by a son, J. Richard Loose (Denise) of Martinsburg; two grandchildren: Matthew E. Loose (Tiffany) of Fredricktown, Ohio and Christy L. Imler, of Fairfield, VA; five great-grandchildren: Braden Loose, Connor Loose, Dawson Loose, Jordan Imler and Reagan Imler; a brother, Robert A. Loose (Betty Lou) of  New Holland; three step-children: Randy Carper (Susan), Robyn Blumling (Bob); and Elaine Slagenweit (Eric); and seven step-grandchildren.

Richard was preceded in death by a brother, John William Loose.

He was a 1943 graduate of Martinsburg High School. Richard then went on to proudly serve in the United States Navy, during World War II from 1944 until 1946, as a radio operator, attaining the rank of Radio Man 3rd Class.

Mr. Loose was employed at the Morrisons Cove Herald for 43 years as a linotype operator and page makeup specialist.  

Richard was a longtime, faithful member of Martinsburg Grace Brethren Church, where he formerly served as church secretary and elder, 4th grade Sunday school teacher and superintendent of the junior Sunday school department.

He was a member of the Martinsburg Sportmen’s Association, where he served as secretary. Richard was an avid outdoorsman, who loved hunting, fishing, gardening and taking hikes on his wooded property. He also enjoyed watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and in his younger days rooted for the Philadelphia Phillies but over time became a Pittsburgh Pirate fan.

Friends will be received from 6 until 8 p.m., Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Martinsburg Grace Brethren Church and from 10 until 11 a.m., Friday, April 28, 2023, at the church, where a funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Pastor J. Brant Leidy and Daniel Horton will be officiating. Interment with military honors will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Martinsburg.  

Memorial contributions in memory of Richard may be given to Camp Mantowagon, P.O. Box 95, Saxton, PA 16678.

Arrangements are by John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg, (www.bolgerfuneralhome.com).