Ronald D. Richards, a sixth-generation farmer, entered into eternal life on Thursday, October 6, 2022, from pancreatic cancer.

He has been a lifetime resident in the Welsh community of Venedocia born on March 28, 1947, to Marcella (Rodgers) Crum and Donald G. Richards.

A ’65 Lincolnview High School graduate, he was a part of Earle Gerdman’s Vocational agriculture program, active F.F.A state judging contest, county plowing contest and a York Dukes 4-H member participating with market lamb projects.

A veteran of the U.S. Marine Reserves Corps (1965-1971) he trained at Camp Parris Island, N.C. He was an active member of the Venedocia Lions Club as past president and frequently staffing the ‘sausage’ wagon. Also, he was involved with the Masonic Lodge in Rockford and Mendon, and a (32 degree) Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton.

In addition to farming the 1854 Richards Family’s land, he was also employed by Quality Farm & Fleet, Ley Equipment, Clay Sandblasting, Lima Sandblasting & Painting, owning Richards Sandblasting and a working partner with Larry Caffro (brother-in-law) of Tri-State Painting. After being employed at Aeroquip/Eaton for 34 years, he retired.

Whitewater rafting and scuba diving in the Gulf of Mexico were great adventures he enjoyed along with fishing and tractor pulls. Always taking something apart and putting it back together became his enjoyment while restoring cars, tractors and trucks. ‘Wilbur’ was his favorite project as also he enjoyed cruising and parading around with his grandchildren!

In death Ron was preceded by his parents, nephew-JC, niece-Paislie, brother-in-law-Jim Miller, sister-in-law-Peggy Richards, step-mother-Bette Richards and step-father- Ned Crum.

Left to cherish his memory are his two sons; Gregg M., Van Wert, and Steve & Lindsay, Delphos and grandchildren; Aiden Rice, Gavin Richards, Melia, Gianna, Vincent and Bianca Richards and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

His sisters Sandra & Larry Caffro of Maumee and Mary Jo Miller of Grover Hill along with brother Randy & Donna Fox Richards of Marion, Indiana survive their eldest brother.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Salem Presbyterian Church, Venedocia, Ohio. There will be visitation an hour prior to the service with a Masonic service at 9:30 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to his church, Salem Presbyterian Church where he was an active Elder and past Trustee.

Arrangements are by Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville.

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