Richard Dale Stockman, 88, of North Strabane Township, PA, a well known member of the racing community of the Meadows for many years, passed away on Saturday, November 7, in his home.

Stockman was born Oct. 21, 1927, in Lisbon, Ohio, a son of Carl and Nellie Rigdon Stockman. He was a 1945 graduate of David Anderson High School and served in the U.S. Army during the occupation of Japan.

Returning home, he began his printing career at Lisbon Evening Journal as a linotype operator. In 1956, he purchased Hawkland Bowling Alleys in Lisbon and owned it until 1964. He was inducted into Salem (Ohio) Bowling Hall of Fame the inaugural year of the association for his bowling ability. He was a distinguished member of the Youngstown Vindicator travelling team that competed throughout the Tri-state area and he bowled in many national tournaments.

In 1964, he moved to Washington, PA, as a linotype operator for Case Programs, on-grounds printer of the Meadows harness and simulcast racing programs. He became owner in 1968 and never missed the printing of any race card deadline. He retired on February 1, 2000.

He was a member of Chartiers Hill United Presbyterian Church and a 50-year member of Lisbon Lodge F&AM. He was a long serving member of Columbiana County Fair Board. He was also a bowler in several leagues in the Washington area, until retirement and enjoyed golf, horse racing and attending auctions, or as he would call it, ‘dickering.’

In addition to his wife, Stockman is survived by two sons, Matthew R. (Tania and granddaughter Illiana) of Palm Coast, Fla., and David C. (Leah and grandson Nathan) of Canonsburg, PA; a brother, Jack J. (Esther) of Pompano Beach, FL, who operated The Harness Supply company at Pompano Park for many years; and many nieces and nephews, including Tad Stockman, former race secretary at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

Friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, Lin Webb, funeral director, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg (724-745-8120), where services will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, November 12, with the Rev. Donald Austin of Chartiers Hill United Presbyterian Church, officiating. Interment will follow at 11 a.m. in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township. Full military honours will be rendered by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 Honor Guard. A memorial service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Chartiers Hill Church Building Fund, 2230 Washington Rd., Canonsburg, PA 15317, or Canonsburg-Houston Meals on Wheels, Houston United Presbyterian Church, 102 North Main Street, Houston, PA 15342.

To extend or view condolences, visit salandrafunerals.com.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Richard Stockman.

(Harnessracing.com)