Labor mourns the death of veteran trade unionist Richard H. Litchfield

From Bill Londrigan, Kentucky State AFL-CIO president:

"...It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of Richard H. Litchfield, a former Kentucky State AFL-CIO Executive Board Member and longtime member of and representative of the United Mine Workers of America.  Richard was accomplished in many pursuits and a veteran and dedicated trade unionist with a positive outlook.  I invite you to read Richard’s attached obituary.  Please keep Richard and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

In Solidarity, Bill.

Litchfield obituary from Whitesell Funeral Home.  

Richard Litchfield, age 74, passed away Monday 2/22/2021 surrounded by his loving family at Morganfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Richard was born April 1, 1946 in Blackford, KY, the son of the late Marx Litchfield and Francis Martin. Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by one brother J.L. and one sister Barbara Kanouse.

He was a loving husband to his wife of 53 years, Sharon “Sherry” Bean Litchfield, and the proud father of his son Brett Litchfield and wife Krista Alvey Litchfield of Fredericksburg, VA and his daughter Andee Litchfield of Jacksonville, FL. He is survived by two granddaughters Brittany and Kelsey Litchfield of Jacksonville, FL. He is also survived by a brother Donald Litchfield of Birmingham, AL and sisters Joann Parrish of Nashville, TN, Lois McCleary of Ft. Smith, AR, Connie Clinkenbeard of Cerritos, CA, Debbie Drake of Yorba Linda, CA and Janet Dover of Arkoma, OK.

Richard was a 1968 graduate of Murray State University, taught in the Union County School System for two years, served in the United States Army during the Viet Nam era, was a Kentucky Colonel, a Mason and worked at Peabody Coal Company Camp #2 until being elected District 23 Board member with the United Mine Workers.

He served the Mine Workers as District Board Member, Secretary/Treasurer and was the last President of District 23. He was always proud to be a member of the United Mine Workers and was always willing to go the extra mile for the miners he represented. He retired from the Mine Workers in 2005.

He loved arranging trips with friends and cousins to attend the away UK ballgames, using these times as mini vacations for everyone. Richard was an avid deer and turkey hunter and enjoyed fishing. Funeral service [were]...on Thursday 2/25/2021 at Whitsell Funeral Home in Sturgis, KY. ....Burial [was]...in the Sullivan Community Cemetery in Sullivan, KY with Full Military Rites, In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Anthony’s Hospice, 2410 S. Green Street, Henderson, KY 42420.

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