Ernest "Richard" Ceaser

Bro. Ernest Richard Ceaser was born on May 25, 1953 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the union of the late Matthew and Ozella Ceaser.

Richard professed his hope in Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Jerriel Missionary Baptist church in 1961 under the leadership of the late Pastor A. L. Goodwin.  He was a member of the Jerriel Church for 58 years. He was dedicated and diligent in his support of the church both financially and with his presence.  He was in several ministries:  Usher Board, Inspirational Choir, Gospel Chorus, Mass Choir, Voices of Jerriel and the Male Chorus.  He also worked in the Soup Kitchen, with the clean-up crew for funerals and special days, attended Sunday School and Bible Study.  He also was one of the first to sign-up for community Outreach activities.

He was a stunning product of the Cincinnati Public School System.  He attended Burdett & Hoffman elementary Schools, Sawyer Junior High School and he graduated from Withrow High School in 1971.  After graduation, Richard embarked upon many careers within the healthcare field at Bethesda Hospital, Oak Pavilion Nursing Home, and Drake Center, just to name a few.  His heart’s desire was to become a Registered Nurse.  He pursued a career with Queen City Metro for 33 years.  He was quite popular as a bus driver – those who came in contact with him easily became fond of his politeness and professionalism.  He was very meticulous about the cleanliness of his bus.  No matter what route he was assigned to, he always carried a broom and Lysol Spray.  His final place of employment was with the Cincinnati Public Schools at Midway Elementary on the Westside where he was a well-loved custodian.  Richard was a hard worker and he worked until he couldn’t work anymore!

E. Richard Ceaser dated the love of his life, Arletta, over 30 years ago.  They rekindled that love in 2014 and were joined in Holy Matrimony on August 22, 2015.  They had a loving, caring marriage for 3 years; Arletta was called home to be with the Lord on April 15, 2018.

Richard was also preceded in death by his big brother, Eugene Johnson who transitioned from earth to heaven 8 short months ago on February 23, 2019.

Some of Richard’s hobbies included:  roller skating, cutting hair, boxing, keeping up with the latest automobiles, and playing cards (and would cheat to win).  He loved fellowshipping with family and friends while enjoying home-cooked meals.  There was never a dull moment when he was around.  He was a kind and gentle soul who loved people for who they were.  Although he never came in contract with a stranger, it would be in a person’s best interest not to get on his bad side.  He would protect those that he loved at all costs.  His passion and ministry was to serve whomever he could, however he could.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Bro. E. Richard Ceaser departed from us on Sunday, October 13, 2019 surrounded by his loved ones.  He leaves to cherish his memory:  two daughters, Clarissa (Vidale) Campbell-Stinson and Ivory Byndon; seven sons, Anton Ceaser, Jared (Eden) Ceaser, Cordero Ceaser, Bryant Curry, Richard Ushery, Virdell Blair, Matthew Ceaser and a host of adoptive sons and daughters who he took under his wing; six sisters, Ramona (Jon’Claude, Sr.), Betty (Freddie, Sr.), Doris (Terrence, Sr.), Yvonne Daniels, Angela (Jack) Jude and Sharonda (Sims) Bostic; two brothers, Lafayette Carthon Sr. (Gayle) and Byron James; two sisters-in-law, Tonja Johnson and Andrea (Willie) Watts; mother-in-law, Valinda (Thomas, Sr.) Gaye; one brother-in-law, Thomas, Jr. (Theresa) Gaye; 16 Grandchildren; 2 Great Grandchildren; a host of Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins; and six very special friends, Bruce Phillips, Denise Davis, Jeannetta Walton-Jamison, Melinda Crawford, Connie and Sandra Hill.

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