Richard Linden Fries, 69, of Accident passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Dennett Rehabilitation from complications of diabetes. Born on April 25, 1956, in Oakland, he was the son of the late Arlington Boyd Fries and Mary Alice (Sweitzer) Fries.
Richard was proud of his work in the coal mines with Frank Polce Coal Company. He also worked at the Irwin Auger Bits Plant in Wilmington, OH.
Richard loved the outdoors, enjoyed long walks, planting trees, vegetables, and pumpkins. He was an avid reader of books on natural remedies and of cultivating his plants. He enjoyed cooking and still made skillet fudge from a recipe our Dad used when we were kids.
Richard is survived by his sisters, Rosemary Ringer of Hinesburg, VT, Romona Stevenson of Mount Storm, WV, and Ronaye Paugh and husband Jeff of Oakland; his nephews, Lael Scott Destin, Matthew Paugh, Zakk Paugh, and Cody Stevenson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Romayne Fries, and brother in law, Zane Stevenson.
The family would like to thank Stacy Bowser and the residents of the Accident Town View Village, who Richard enjoyed as friends and neighbors.
Donations in memory of Richard may be made to support the planting and educational endeavors of New Germany State Park - please check back shortly for more information on how to donate.
The Fredlock & Fenner Funeral Homes, P.A. - Oakland Chapel is honored to be caring for Richard and his family.