Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
98 W. Main St.
Norwalk, OH 44857
Phone: 419.663.4513
Fax: 419.663.6809
Cell Phone: 419.663.3504
Email: wehfh@eastmanfuneralhome.com
Website: https://www.eastmanfuneralhome.com/norwalk
View All Obituaries from Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
Donald H. Richards, 85, Passed away, Wednesday, December 2, 2015.
I was born February 8, 1930 on my parent's wedding anniversary and later could celebrate the occasions with them by having dinner out which was rare and a real treat those days. My family lived in Steuben, Ohio, then later moved into Willard, Ohio, where I grew up. Due to the new Willard Hospital yet under construction, my birth took place in Shelby Memorial Hospital, Shelby, Ohio.
I was the first son of the late Marie (Miller) Richards and Virgil A. Richards and have been a resident of Huron, Ohio 13 years. I was a child of the Great Depression and being old for my years and tall in stature helped in getting work to add to the family finances. During my early years I was a newspaper boy, mowed lawns and shoveled snow. One December a sister wondered why I would ask for a shovel for Christmas. My reply was, "I am the one who shovels". As a teen I worked for Richards Construction Company, the Celeryville muck farms working the soil, gathering and selling vegetables and did time in the Baltimore & Ohio Motor Power Store.
Oh, it wasn't all work. There were fun times, too with swimming, sledding and doing the daring with some classmates, leaving our sleds to grab hold of rear car bumpers for a short thrill and instant wear on the boots: Later, skating in the area roller rinks, reading, stock car and NASCAR races, walking and riding my bike where enjoyable past times.
Because of my varied experiences and the quick recollection of dates and events, the family tagged me as the story teller and eagerly waited for my answers to fill in the blanks in the conversations.
I was a graduate of Willard High School. Our class was and continues to be very close-knit, enjoying gatherings several times a year. I served honorably in the United States Army for 3 years. Upon discharge I began my career in trucking as a driver with Norwalk Truck Line and was promoted into various management positions. During my career, I worked for various trucking companies, serving in senior management positions. I was instrumental in effectively forming the OSHA Agency. Prior to my retirement I was President and co-owner of Parsons Trucking Company, Inc. of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina and Vice-President of Caldwell Leasing in Lenoir, North Carolina. I served as Chairman of Colorado Carriers Council of Safety Supervisors Association, Western Regional Chairman of National Tank Truck Carriers, Western Regional Representative of the ATA Rodeo Committee, member of Motor Carrier Labor Advisory Association and member of North Carolina Trucking Association.
I was a life member of the DAV Chapter 65 in Norwalk, Ohio, the Norwalk American Legion Post 41 for which I served many years in the Color Guard Unit. I also had a life membership in BPOE Lodge in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and held memberships in Norwalk Knights of Columbus Council 626 and Eagles Aerie Club in Huron, Ohio.
Most often I wore a smile, enjoyed people and ready to listen and learn. I was a kind and generous man with a few regrets but, WOW, I had a good ride:
Survivors are my wife, Jean, son Kenneth of Albuquerque, NM, five daughters, Kathleen (Roger) Holman of Fostoria, Ohio, Janet Richards of Berea, Ohio, Pauline Richards, of Willard, Ohio, and Patricia Sipp of Willard, Ohio and Theresa Wilde of Norwalk. Step children Joni Young of Hudson, NC and Tracy Brooks of Chesapeake, VA, along with 19 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. The siblings are Pauline O'Connor of Sarasota FL and Roger of Naples FL, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
I was preceded in death by brother John, sister Helen Bertram, son John (Rocky) and 2 great grandsons. At my request, cremation will take place. Friends may call on Monday, December 7, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in Walker Funeral Home, 98 West Main St., Norwalk, Ohio. Interment will be private at a later date In the Willard St. Joseph Cemetery.
Contributions in my name may be made to Wreaths Across America, P.O. Box 249 Columbia Falls, ME 04623, and Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758577, Topeka, Kansas 66675.
