Richard L. Eshleman, 85, of Palmyra, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, at Traditions of Hershey.

Born in Lebanon, PA, on Oct. 11, 1938, he was the son of the late Charles R. and Estella M. (Long) Eshleman.

Richard was a graduate of Annville-Cleona High School Class of 1956, where he excelled in soccer, basketball, and track, including pole vault, long jump, and hurdles. He attended Wesley College and American University, where he continued his athletic career and earned a Bachelor’s degree in health and physical education. He spent time as the director of the Annville Community Playground (1960-66) as well as the director of the Palmyra Elementary basketball program (1966-86.) He also enjoyed coaching many local sports teams, including track, soccer, basketball, volleyball, golf, and softball. He obtained his Master of Education degree in school counseling from Millersville University. He worked for over 40 years in the educational field, including teaching, counseling, coaching, and administrative areas for the Annville-Cleona and Palmyra Area School Districts. In 2000, he was inducted into the Lebanon Valley Sports Hall of Fame for outstanding contributions as an athlete, coach, soccer official, and program organizer. During retirement, he enjoyed attending sporting events, watching ESPN, and spending time with family.

Surviving is two daughters, Beth Oyler, wife of Ronald, of Elizabethtown, and Carole Eshleman, of Murrieta, CA; a sister, Jacquelyn Englebach, of Palmyra; five grandchildren, Allison Murray, wife of Brandyn, Luke Allenbach, Cole Allenbach, Emily Oyler, and Benjamin Oyler; a great-grandchild, Elijah Murray; and several nephews.

A public viewing will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, at Kreamer Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 618 E. Main St., Annville, PA 17003. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Mt. Annville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to In The Net by visiting https://gofund.me/59682ffe in his memory.

Kreamer Funeral Home and Crematory, Annville, is handling arrangements.