Rick A. Mechling, 77, of New London, OH passed Sunday, November 10, 2024, at his residence.  He was born March 10, 1947, in Brookville, PA to the late Frances (Yonik) and Arthur Mechling.  Rick served in the US Army in Korea and worked as a Central Office Technician with AT & T Phone Company and several of their predecessors for 40 years before retiring in 2008.  Rick was an amazing problem solver, an Amateur Ham Radio Operator holding an EXTRA Call sign ticket, AI8L, which is the highest ham ticket available.  He also had accomplished working all states and countries via Morris code.

In Rick's early years he was a hardcore atheist until in 1975 at the age of 28 when he gave his heart and life to the Lord Jesus.  He and his wife Carol, loved traveling on their motorcycles and occasionally by car, covering 43 states and visiting as many state and national parks as possible.  They were very well known for the exotic animals they raised and were recognized with articles and full page photos in the Ashland and Sandusky papers.  They owned several boats over the years and enjoyed fishing and traveling by boat to the Canadian mainland and the Lake Erie Islands.  Rick and Carol held a CCW license and enjoyed target shooting.

Rick is survived by his wife of 56 ½ years, Carol (Hudson) Mechling who he married May 28, 1968; sons, Curt Mechling of New London, OH and Mike Mechling of Perrysville, OH; 3 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.  His faithful dog companion was Zoey, also known as Piranha.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.  The Chaplin of Pathways Hospice will conduct the service with Military rites to follow.

The family can't thank the entire staff of Pathways Hospice enough for the genuine love and professional care that they gave Rick and family during the 3 months in their care.