Keith E. Richards

Mr. Keith E. Richards, 81, of Greenville, Ohio, passed away Saturday, January 2, 2016, at Heartland Nursing Home in Greenville.

He was born September 22, 1934 in Ansonia, Ohio, a son of the late Harley L. and Edith M. (Johnson) Richards. In addition to his parents, Keith was preceded in death by a brother Lester Richards and sisters, Patty Tyler and Peggy McCoy.

Keith spent his whole life working for the railroad. He started his career at the age of 17 with New York Central in 1952. He continued on with Penn Central which later became Conrail. He retired in 1996 after 45 years of service. He loved to work on cars and tinker with anything mechanical. He was a mechanic, electrician, and a plumber; a literal Jack-of-all-Trades. Above all, Keith was a wonderful father, a devoted husband and a friend to all.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Lorena (VanDeGrift) Richards whom he married on November 10, 1962; children, Thomas Jeffrey (Cheryl) Richards of Greenville, Michael Lee Richards of Greenville, Brian Keith (Amanda Williams) Richards of Covington, Ohio; a sister, Lois Marshall of Union City, Ohio; brothers, Jim (Joyce) Richards of Williamsburg, KY, Steve (Phyllis) Richards of Xenia, Ohio and Stan Richards of Ansonia, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, January 8, 2016 at the Oliver-Floyd Funeral Home in Greenville with Pastor Chris Cobb officiating. Burial will follow in Ansonia Cemetery.

Family and friends may visit Thursday, January 7, from 5 – 7PM at the Funeral Home. The family request memorial contributions be given to American Heart Association.

The family would like to thank all the kind staff at Heartland Nursing Home for your kindness. It was greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten.