In Memoriam: Richard “Dick” F. Totten, CRNA (1955-2023)

Richard “Dick” F. Totten, CRNA, age 67, of Carroll, Ohio passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at Mt. Carmel East. Richard was born in Lancaster, Ohio to the late Richard and Darlene Totten. Richard was a 1973 graduate of Lancaster High School. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1979 with his Bachelor of Science and from Central Ohio Technical College with his degree in nursing. Richard worked to further his education, graduating in 1982 from The Ohio State University with his certificate in nurse anesthesia. He practiced for over 20 years, ending his career at OSU East. 

Richard was an avid OSU fan, loved the outdoors, hunting, taking care of his roses and being a pilot. The one thing that brought him joy was mowing the yard, on his zero turn. He soaked up information about science from the many magazines that he read, NASA, Space Mission and archeology. He also enjoyed watching TV, including shows about Big Foot and aliens. He loved his fur babies, Gracie, George, Margo and Blackie. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Mark Totten; grandparents; in-laws, Jack and Dorothy Wilkins; and special niece, Carrie Rachel Morrison. He is survived by his wife, Debra; children, Kristina (Michael Decker) Totten, Heather (Chad Rooney) Simcox, and Andrew (Carlye Sherman) Totten; grandchildren, Angelo and Peter Galella, Brendon and Coen Simcox, Arthur and Conor Rooney; Devon, Aubrey and Gavyn Totten and Jaxson Sherman; sister, Sue (Larry) Sutton; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kevin and Kay Evans; niece and nephew, Becky and Joe Sutton; and many other relatives. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Nationwide Children’s Hospital or Fairfield County Dog Adoption in Richard’s name. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Buckeye Care and Rehab. Everyone there was so kind. To FMC, thank you to the nurses, physicians and support staff. And to Mount Carmel East, 3rd Floor Orthopedics, 4th Floor SMIC, 5th Floor STIC. The staff at Mount Carmel did everything they could and went above and beyond with their care. Fond memories, Expressions of sympathy may be shared at DignityMemorial.com. 

This obituary was originally published in the Columbus Dispatch.