Richard Lynn McVicker

Richard Lynn McVicker, 79, of Weirton, West Virginia, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at WVU Medicine – Weirton Medical Center.

Richard was born at home in Metz, West Virginia, on January 8, 1947. As a young boy, he moved with his family to Weirton when they came to the area for work in the steel industry. He grew up in Weirton and graduated from Weir High School in 1965.

Following high school, Rich answered his country’s call and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He served with the 1st Air Cavalry Division and experienced firsthand the realities of combat. Like many veterans of his generation, Richard rarely spoke about what he witnessed and never wanted recognition or attention for his service. He simply did what was asked of him and returned home to build his life. His family, however, remains proud of his service and sacrifice.

After returning from Vietnam, Rich began what would become a career of approximately 45 years with Weirton Steel. A true “jack of all trades,” he worked throughout the mill in a variety of capacities, including the water and waste treatment plant, as a rigger, welder and crane operator, eventually finishing his career in the Tin Mill.

Rich was a man of unmistakable character. He could be serious, stern and, by his family’s loving description, a little cranky. Beneath that exterior, however, was an incredibly generous man with a wonderfully dry sense of humor. Sometimes it was difficult to tell whether Richard was joking or being completely serious. Those who knew him will undoubtedly smile remembering some of his favorite expressions, including “bully for you,” and, perhaps most fittingly, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Richard was stoic by nature. He rarely displayed his emotions openly, but those closest to him knew how deeply he cared. As he grew older, that softer side became a little easier to see, and he became more comfortable expressing his appreciation and gratitude to those around him.

He was also particular about how he presented himself. Rich was always well groomed and took pride in looking and smelling good. Whether dressed in a leather coat or something a little sportier, he had his own sense of style and liked things just so. That same perfectionism could be seen around his home, particularly in his meticulously maintained yard and garage shop.

Cars were one of Richard’s great passions. He loved automobiles, and tinkering in his garage. Over the years, he owned several vehicles that were especially meaningful to him, including a Ford Fairlane and a 2015 Ford Mustang commemorating the Mustang’s 50th anniversary. His Fairlane eventually became another example of his generosity when proceeds from its auction were donated to Akron Children’s Hospital. Earlier in life, he also owned a BSA motorcycle.

Rich possessed an artistic side that might have surprised those who knew only his stern exterior. While serving in Vietnam, he faithfully wrote home, often weekly, filling his letters with cartoons and sketches drawn in his distinctive style. He was a talented artist and had beautiful handwriting.

He loved dogs and over the years shared his home with Dobermans and later his little Miniature Pinscher, Miss Minnie Weebits. Even as Miss Minnie Weebits grew older, Rich patiently cared for him, including hand-feeding his faithful companion when necessary.

Rich was generous with more than those closest to him. He quietly supported charitable causes, including Akron Children’s Hospital and The Salvation Army, and had particular respect for the work of The Salvation Army in Weirton. He was also affiliated with local veterans’ organizations, including the VFW and the American Legion.

Above everything else, Richard’s greatest legacy can be found in his family.

He will be remembered with love by his son, Richard “Chad” McVicker and his wife, Kelly; his grandchildren, Alexis Chadwick, Jared McVicker, Grace Rook and Lukas McVicker; and two great-grandchildren, Carmella McVicker and Camden Chadwick.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Nelta McVicker Thompson; his brother, Brian Earl Shreve; his sister, Caron Louise Paris and his stepbrother, David Shreve;

His family will receive friends on Wednesday from 3:00 until 7:00 PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV; where funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 AM.

Pastor Craig Greathouse will preside.

Interment will follow at New Cumberland Cemetery, where Richard will be laid to rest with military honors by the American Legion Post 10 and the West Virginia National Guard, in recognition of his service to the United States of America.

Richard lived life on his own terms. He worked hard, kept his yard neat, his cars clean, his appearance sharp, his feelings mostly to himself, and quietly helped others when he could. He could be stubborn, serious, funny and extraordinarily generous at the same time.

And as Rich himself would probably say, he “wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Weirton Salvation Army.

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