Thomas Richards

Thomas Richards, age 73, of Port Washington, died peacefully Friday evening, May 1, 2009, in his home following a courageous battle with cancer.One of eight children born to the late David and Gertrude (Richardson) Richards, Tom was born at Spencer, West Virginia on June 19, 1935.Tom was raised at Parkersburg and soon entered into the United States Army where he served in the Korean War as a lineman for ground communications. Following his separation from the Army, he settled at Bedford, Ohio where he worked at a gas station operated by his brother. It was there he met a young lady by the name of Barbara Golden and following a period of courtship, the couple married on April 7, 1958. Together, the couple reared four children.Hard work and providing for his family were important to Tom as he soon became employed with the B&O Railroads where he worked for more than thirty years as a brakeman and flagman. He enjoyed the friendships that he built throughout his tenure with the company and found great joy in sharing stories and fellowship while away from his family. His quick wit and sense of humor may not have always been appreciated by those he first encountered but as time went on many realized that his spirited ways of tormenting and ornery practical jokes were what made Tom a great person to be around.Furthermore, Tom was an avid fan of Classic Western television programs and movies and could tell anyone who challenged him the name of almost every actor. When not engaged in an activity with his family, Tom enjoyed working around his farm and building many items without the aid of blueprints or a drawing. Tom also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and taking outings with them on his sister’s property where they would fish.In addition to his wife of fifty-one years, Tom is survived by two daughters, Barbara (Ron) Bond of Dover, and Amy Richards of Port Washington; two sons, Bruce (Dana) Richards of Litchfield, Ohio and Raymond “Mitch” Richards of Texas; as well as two sisters, Garnet McCready and Virginia Clegg both of West Virginia.Ten grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, complete the family.In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters.In keeping with his wishes, there will be no public viewing or visitation for Tom. Cremation care will be conducted by Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory at Dover.The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. Third Street, Dover, Ohio 44622.