He was born on June 29, 1923, in Portsmouth, Ohio, a son of Walter and Zelma Mae Eisnaugle. He graduated from Portsmouth High School, received a BS in Business in 1947 from Miami University, and a Law Degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1950.
Richard served in active duty in the Navy from 1941 to 1946 and reserve duty from 1951 to 1970; Commanding Officer of the local Naval Reserve for 10 years, retiring as a Full Commander. He practiced law in Portsmouth from 1950 to 1989. From 1990 to 1997, he was the Common Pleas Court Domestic Relations Referee.
He served in many elected and appointed offices including: Portsmouth City School Board of Education, president of Southeastern Ohio School Board Association, Portsmouth City Council, special assistant to the Ohio Attorney General, Kentucky Colonel, Portsmouth City Board of Health, Ombudsman at Hempstead Manor, and Advocate for the Juvenile Court System.
His first wife of 57 years, Jessie Florence Eisnaugle, his brother, Arthur Ray Eisnaugle, and sister, Joyce Ann Eisnaugle Grace, preceded him in death.
Richard is survived by his second wife, Brenda Jefferies Eisnaugle. He was a loving father of daughters, Joyce Ann Newton (Greg) of Australia, Cheryl Lee Murphy (Mark) of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and Alice Ann Spriggs (Pat) of Portsmouth. He was a grandfather to nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren who will greatly miss their Papaw and Great Papaw immensely: Jennifer (Newton) Tunley (Craig), Tyrell Newton, Daniel Newton (Cara), Carl Newton, Erika Hemly, Alison (Hemly) Saraney (Gene), Stephen Spriggs II (Laura), David Spriggs (Bethany), and Amanda Spriggs; and great-grandchildren, James, Hayden, Benjamin, Sonny, Alyssa, Connor, and Annabella. He was also survived by stepchildren, Jacquie Lindsey (John), David Whitt, and Donna Eichenlaub (Ike); and great-stepchildren, Kennam, Hanna, Christine, Davie, Taylor, Ronna, and Devin.
Graveside services arranged by F.C. Daehler Mortuary will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at the Memorial Burial Park in Wheelersburg, with the Rev. Clark Hess officiating. There is to be no visitation.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to SOMC Hospice, 2201 25th St., Portsmouth, OH 45662.
"It is the spirit and not the form of law that keeps justice alive."
- Earl Warren (1891 - 1974)