Robert F. Richards

Robert “Bob” Richards, 89, of Cadiz, Ohio, passed away on February 16, 2026, at WVU Medicine Harrison Community Hospital with his family by his side. He was born on July 14, 1936, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, to the late Franklin V. and Estelle Mazeroski Richards.

After graduating from Cadiz High School in 1954 where he was a stand-out athlete, Bob attended The Ohio State University on a basketball scholarship. Following his time there, he returned home to marry the love of his life, Gloria J. George Richards, on August 10, 1957. Together, they built a life centered on family, raising two wonderful children and later cherishing their grandchildren, who brought them immeasurable joy.

Bob worked at R&F Coal for many years, doing whatever job was needed. He was also an artist in his own right, skilled in plastering work that he continued independently for many years, as well as woodworking. If something needed fixed, built, or repaired, Bob was the person you called.

Bob was kind to his core, steady, and reliable — the kind of man whose quiet strength spoke louder than words.

Bob was an avid golfer and found great joy on the course. In his earlier years, he generously gave his time coaching junior high and biddy football, as well as junior high basketball. He especially treasured the time spent helping his son work on motorbikes and attending motocross events together.

Bob loved attending his granddaughters’ sporting events, rarely missing a game. He was their biggest supporter, proudly cheering them on from the sidelines and celebrating their accomplishments both big and small. Being “Grandpa” was one of his greatest joys. Bob always looked forward to his daughter and her family coming up from the Carolina’s to enjoy weeks of summer fun in his back yard oasis. His home became his granddaughters’ favorite place to be, filled with love, laughter, and lifelong memories.

Bob was preceded in death in addition to his parents by his wife, Gloria J. Richards in 2015; and his son-in-law, Jay Carver.

He is survived by his sister, Pam (Ike) Howes of Missouri; children, Todd (Josann) Richards of Cadiz and Debbie Richards-Carver of Denver, North Carolina; grandchildren, Madison Richards, Paige (Dan) Milleson, Kelley Carver and Krista Carver; bonus granddaughter, Reilley; and great-granddaughter Magnolia “Maggie”. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 5:00 p.m. with John Visser officiating at Clark-Kirkland-Barr Funeral Home in Cadiz. Bob will be laid to rest beside his wife at Holly Memorial Gardens in Pleasant Grove, Ohio at the convenience of the family.