Obituary

Thomas Glenn Richards, 88, of Apple Creek, OH, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, Beaver, PA.Born September 17, 1928, in Barnhill, OH, the son of the late Thomas Richards and Florence (Leggett) Richards McPherson. Thomas was a 1946 graduate of Midvale High School and enlisted in the US Navy upon graduation. He served his country during the aftermath of World War II and upon returning from service attended Otterbein College. Thomas studied and became a Stationary Engineer employed by the Timken Company and then Ashland Oil Company in Canton, OH from where he retired in 1992. An avid sports enthusiast, Thomas was a baseball player in his youth, participating in leagues across Tuscarawas County. He was inducted into the Tuscarawas County Cy Young Old Timers Baseball Association Hall of Fame on April 30, 1995. He shared his love for athletics with his children, and others, as mentor and coach throughout their athletic careers. He was always their biggest supporter, cheering them on from the stands. During his later years, sports became a great source of conversation as he continued to be a fan of all sports but particularly his favorite teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Tigers, having cheered on his team for the last time Christmas day as the Cavaliers beat the Golden State Warriors in the final moments of the game.Surviving are son, Russell (Deborah Huppenthal) Richards, Aliquippa, PA; daughter, Susan (Scott) Gearling, Henderson, NV; step-sons, Rick (Linda) Snyder, Apple Creek, OH, and Randy (Vicki) Snyder, Scio, OH; brother, Leonard (Barb) McPherson, Strasburg,OH; sister, Catherine McWilliams, New Philadelphia, OH; former wife & mother of his children, Mary Ellen Richards, Scio, OH; longtime companion, Wanda Barnes, Apple Creek, OH; three grandchildren, Megan, Logan, and Tylor Gearling; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family who he cherished.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters; Bessie McPherson, and twin sisters, Arlene Korns and Ilene McPherson.As per the family’s request, all services were private.Arrangements were handled by the GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 1133 Penn Ave., New Brighton, Pa. 15066, www.gabauerfamilyfuneralhomes.com.