Obituary of Leon Rosser Richards

Leon Rosser Richards, 85, of Fairmont, West Virginia died Sunday, May 14, 2017 in the Genesis Healthcare Tygart Center.  He was born October 17, 1931 in Fairmont a son of the late William James Richards & Winnie Ella Heavener Richards.

He is survived by a son and daughter in law Brian & Rachel Richards of Colfax Community, a daughter and son in law Bridget & Pastor Chris Gillispie Sr. of Halleck Community, a sister Louise Richards Vittorini of Bridgeton, N.J., 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, 2 nephews and his longtime friend and companion Michelle Shackelford of Fairmont, WV.  Mr. Richards was preceded in death by a son Mark Richards, a brother William James Richards and a great-granddaughter Bethany Sawitski.

Mr. Richards was formerly employed for many years as an account for the Owens-Illinois Glass Co. and was also a retired security guard from Fairmont State University.  Leon served proudly in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was Methodist by faith, member of the V.F.W. “Woody Williams” Post 7048 in Fairmont and an avid gardener.

The Family will receive friends at the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV 26554 Tuesday, May 16, 2017 from Noon – 8 p.m. and Wednesday, May 17, 2017 from 10 – 11 a.m.  The funeral service will be held in the funeral home Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Chris Gillispie Sr. officiating.  The committal service will follow in the West Virginia National Cemetery in Pruntytown, WV.  Full Military Honors will be recited at graveside by the Military Veterans Council of Marion County.  Online condolences may be made to the family at www.FORDFUNERALHOMES.com.