Nathaniel Richards

Nathaniel Richards Jr, age 79, of Dover took his journey to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 9, 2011 in Coshocton County Memorial Hospital at Coshocton following a period of declining health.A son of the late Nathaniel and Sally Mary (Levins) Richards, “Pops,” as he was known to many friends and family, was born on October 14, 1931, at Dover, Ohio. A 1949 graduate of Dover High School, Nate entered into the United States Army and served his country during the Korean War. He married the love of his life the former Phyllis “Sissy” Gibson, on June 28, 1963.For more than 30 years prior to his retirement, Pops worked for the former Reeves Steel Mill located at Dover. He was well loved by those who had the opportunity to know him. His approach to life was to “do what’s right” for everyone. Gentle kindness and his love for all enabled him to take his children, along with numerous neighbor children to local sporting practices, and games. For many of these youngsters, he was a father figure. To his children, he was a great dad. Above all else, he was a friend to all.Nate was an avid sports fan. After playing football in high school, he remained a devoted fan of his beloved Dover Tornadoes. He was a past member of the Tornado Club and enjoyed traveling to sporting events regularly. He also loved the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns. He was quite a fan of the game of golf. He enjoyed playing at “The Valley” with family and friends, and was always the one others tried to beat.His memory and lessons on life will forever be cherished by his children, Nathaniel Dean (Jené) Richards of Potomac Falls, Virginia, Terrence Craig Richards, and Rachele Nicole Richards both of Dover as well as Harry (Darlene) Ogletree, whom he thought of as a son.Six grandchildren, Sierra, Casey, Briana, Sydny, Dorian and Hendria Richards; four great-grandchildren, Nautica, Arianna, Marquis and James; a very special cousin, Ernest Truman; and a very special niece, Marjorie Richmond and countless other relatives and friends completed his world of love.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 47 years, Phyllis who died on July 26, 2010; a beloved brother, Leo Richards, and his precious infant son, Jón Carlos Richards.The family will receive friends in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover on Friday, October 14, 2011 from 5 to 7 PM and again one hour prior to services, on Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 10 to 11 AM. The Reverend Chris Lowery will lead a celebration of life service for Pops in the Dover Funeral Center on Saturday at 11 AM. Following the service, the family will gather in the Hospitality Room of the Geib Funeral Center where a meal and fellowship will be shared. In keeping with Nate’s wishes, cremation will follow services.The family requests that memorial contributions in Nathaniel’s name be directed to The American Heart Association, PO Box 163549, Columbus, OH 43216-3549.