Obituary

Charles T. Richards, 100, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed from this life on June 26th, 2020.

Charles was born in Akron, Ohio on June 18, 1920 on the "Perkins Estate", and was preceded in death by his wife Leona B. Richards of almost 73 years, and sister Doreen Oats. Charles and Leona had two children and one grandchild.

Charles was a World War II veteran who served in the Marine Corps joining within a few days after Pearl Harbor, and serving through December, 1945, and then in the Army reserves through the early 50s. Contrary to his statements to family about being in the rear lines as a radio man, his service records and citations show he was involved in heavy action in the Marshall Islands at Kwajalein, and Eniwetok Atoll as a Platoon Sergeant and then later as a radio operator of the same rank, in the rear lines for R&R. Prior to being discharged he received the rank of 2nd Lt. and his Unit was decorated for service in the Marshall Islands and particularly in the capture of Eniwetok Atoll . The unit was asked to be the Marine Corps representatives in the Honor Guard for President F. Roosevelt's funeral procession in Washington, DC because of meritorious service. Upon returning to the States and civilian life, Charles married, worked at Seiberling Tire Company, received his bachelor's degree from Kent State University, and became a teacher in the Akron Ohio School system and he made that his secular career.

Charles was raised in a household and among other family members who were simply called "The Bible Students" in the 1920s. Later on, having left behind the great depression, the difficulties of the 2nd WW, and embracing family life, and a new daughter named Nancy, by 1947, Charles returned to his roots and interest in the Bible and then he, and Leona became (the adopted name in 1937, of the bible students) "Jehovah's Witnesses" in 1951.

Charles was very zealous as a Jehovah's Witness and almost immediately asked to shoulder responsibilities once he started attending the meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses. He enjoyed many roles of service and oversight within the organization since that point in time. He was a man of significant contrasts, in life resolves. From a "gung-ho" Marine of 20 years of age not interested in religion that much, to a person governed by the tenets of Jehovah's Witnesses, and the Holy Scriptures. It could be said that he was "all in" on any of his life's resolves once made. He deeply loved reading the Bible and in fact his last project prior to his death involved compiling a list of his most favorite 100 scriptures. In the terrible lonely hours of isolation due to his age limitations, Covid-19 and the segregation that it has necessitated, suspension of his beloved NBA's playing schedule :), and other issues simply confronting a 100 year old, he maintained his poise, integrity in beliefs, humor and spirit. We should all aspire to his example.

Charles is survived by Nancy his daughter, Mark his son, Daughter-in-law Denise, and Grand Daughter Chelsea Richards, Niece, Mary Martha Coffee, and extended family as well as 100s if not thousands of friends and acquaintances who will miss every moment that could be shared in his presence. Rest in Peace and Power, in the hope of another life to come.

There will be a virtual memorial service held for Charles on Saturday, July 11, 2020, at 2:00 PM. Please join the Zoom meeting by clicking the link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84636069067?pwd=SlRJdFdmSE9DbDgveEV3RmNMbnNlZz09

You will then use the Meeting ID: 846 3606 9067 and Password: 178622.

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