Thomas S. Richards

Sebring - Thomas Samuel Richards, 93 of Copeland Oaks, formerly of Poland, died Saturday morning at the nursing home. Mr. Richards was born September 2, 1915 in Struthers, a son of Thomas & Lillian Black Richards, and was a life long area resident. He was a 1933 graduate of Poland Seminary High School, and attended Youngstown College. Mr. Richards was a WWII Army veteran, where he served in, France and Germany in the B Company in the 399th infantry division, where he received the Bronze Star for meritorious action in Europe, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Presidential Citation and the Purple Heart. He worked at the Republic Steel as a Melter Foreman for 38 years, retiring in 1978. He was a member of the Evangel Baptist Church in Boardman, and a member of the Harmony Lodge F. & A.M. #465 where he was a 32nd degree Mason. His wife of 69 years, the former Viola Mae Johnston whom he married October 14, 1939 died November 5, 2008. He is survived by his three daughters, Janet (John) Innes, of Stone Mountain GA, Ruth (Richard) Bromley, of Houston TX, and Becky (Nick) Tymoszewicz of St. Catharines, Ontario; 10 grandchildren 10 great-grandchildren, and one brother Robert (Ethel) Richards of Poland. Our family will always cherish the memories of his love, compassions and kindness to everyone. Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Ruby Bancroft, Lillian Paulin, Evelyn Schoenfelt and one brother William Richards. Funeral services will be held at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland, Monday, January 12, 2008 at 12 noon. Interment will be private. Friends will be received Monday from 11:00-11:45 at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland, Ohio. Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com .

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