Richard (Dick) Caleb Nairn, 91, of Newark, Ohio, passed away May 8, 2026 at his assisted living facility in Grove City, Ohio.

Born February 21, 1935 in Newark, Dick was a graduate of Newark High School in 1953. He continued his education and obtained a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University in 1960 followed by a Master’s Degree in Education from Xavier University. A teacher for more than 20 years, he taught math and history at various locations around Central Ohio including Millersport and East Broad Elementary in Columbus.

Dick was known for two things, his gift for gab and trains. His loquacious nature served him well through various community roles including that of city councilman for the eastside of Newark and court-appointed guardian through the Licking County Probate Court under Judge Hoover. An avid model railroader, Dick hosted the Shawnee Model Railroad Society out of his home on N. Hazelwood Ave. for close to two decades.

Dick’s love for higher education, specifically the Ohio State University, was a common thread in his life. In the mid to late 1970s, he volunteered with WOSU and Public Television. On occasion he took to the airwaves to give a math lesson or help with a fundraising drive. Posthumously, Dick gets to attend college one more time as his remains will be donated to OSU’s College of Medicine through their Body Donation Program.

He is survived by his wife, Lana Jane (Fisher) Nairn, his daughter, Leah Eugenia Nairn, his brother, Frederick Bruce Werner, his niece Angela (Werner) Farley, his nephew, Adam Werner, his long-time friend Lee St. John, and a cast of characters from the Eastern Bar and Grill. He is preceded in death by his mother, Eugenia M. Werner (with whom he shared a birthday) and his father, Richard V. Nairn.

Services are not planned at this time since his remains are being donated. Should anyone wish to honor Dick in his passing, the family requests a donation be made in his name to WOSU.

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