Richard Burton Schwartz, age 77, of Hillsboro, died Wednesday, January 19, 2005 at the Highland District Hospital. He was born February 11, 1927 in Dayton, Ohio, the son of the late Carl B. and Hazel E. Williams Schwartz. He was a visionary, author, researcher, and adventurer. He traveled extensively and researched many ancient sites. His adventures in Mexico were similar to those of the movie character, Indiana Jones. On one trip, he toured Mexico for one year with the personal Secretary of J. Paul Getty, the Oil Billionaire. As an author, Richard considered the publishing of The Ladder of Success, the foremost accomplishment of his life’s work – it outlined the entire spectrum of the life experience of man. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the late stages of World War II. He is survived by his daughter, Vicki Ann Gebhart of Ansonia, Ohio; two grandchildren, Lisa Wisawenning of Wayne Lakes, Ohio and Gary Gillespie of Springfield, Ohio; three grandchildren, Tosha, Ashley, and Angelina Gillespie; one brother and one sister, Donald Schwartz and Treva Burton of Dayton, Ohio. Private funeral services will take place at the convenience of the family at a later date. The Turner & Son Funeral Home, Hillsboro is serving the family.