Harry Allen Richards passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 2nd, 2023 at the age of 89. He was born to John Henry Richards and Eva Pearl Jacobs on August 11th, 1933, in BigLick Township, Hancock County, Ohio.
Harry grew up on a farm outside of Findlay, Ohio. He married the love of his life, Midge Laws, as soon as they graduated from high school, June 7th, 1953. He entered the Army and he served stateside during the Korean War. During his service, they lived in Texas where their first son, Allen, was born. They then moved back to Ohio and eventually settled in St. Louis, Michigan, where Harry spent most of his career with Total Petroleum. After retiring from the corporate world, he served as the Vice President of Finance and Operations for Great Lakes Christian College from 1989-2000, after which he volunteered as everything from accountant to “unofficial” groundskeeper for many more years.
His life revolved around his family and his faith. He was an incredible husband and father to his six children (and father figure to countless others). He loved being a grandpa, and that was definitely obvious to all of his grandkids (and greats). He served as an elder at the St. Louis Church of Christ and a school board member for St. Louis public schools. He truly was one of the 'brothers/fathers' that Jesus tells us we inherit when we become citizens of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 19). Harry was a man of deep faith and led a life worthy of God's calling - an example for us all. He will be missed until we see him again on God's renewed earth. He was, and will remain, a true inspiration for those who knew him and were able to witness his testimony, his faith and his heart of gold.
Harry is survived by his beautiful wife Midge (Laws) Richards of nearly 70 years. Their 6 children, 17 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren along with their spouses: Allen (Kim) Richards, and their children Jaime Richards; Brandi (Sam) Olson and their children Micah and Nora; Ben (Heather) Richards and their children Ethan, Hensley and Levi; Michael (Megan) Luft and their children Angelynn, Elektra and Gabe Kotch. Pam (Phil) Vance, and their children Heather (Ryan) Bunce and their children Shelby and Riley; Jason (Rhonda) Vance and their children Atticus and Emerson; Erica (Jeremy) Kissling and their daughter Bethann; Alex Vance and fiance’ Kathryn Prawdzik; and Caleb Vance and fiance’ Lindsey Swanson. Mike (Janice) Richards and their children Johan (Amanda) Richards and their children Corban, Creed and Carys; Joy (Vince) Vigil and their children Elias and Alegra. Bev (Desirae) Richards and their children Julia Richards-Ward and fiance’ Jacob Sage; and Zachary Richards. Ann (Jerry) Johnston and their children Kyle Johnston; and Ezra Johnston and fiance’ Kaylee Wentworth. And David (Dawn) Richards and their children Emily (Brandon) Parsons; and Aidan Richards. Along with many in-laws, nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held Friday, May 5, 2023 from 11:00am until the time of the service at 1:00pm at Great Lakes Christian College - Doty Center 6211 W Willow Hwy Lansing, MI 48917. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Great Lakes Christian College or Rock Lake Christian Assembly.
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