William George Richards

William George Richards, 88 Youngstown- William George Richards, 88, of Youngstown, died early Sunday morning at his residence. Mr. Richards was born November 20, 1918 in Youngstown, a son of John and Mary Lewis Richards. He lived in the area his entire life. A 1937 graduate of South High School, Mr. Richards attended Youngstown College for two years studying accounting. For 40 years he was a postal clerk for the Youngstown Post Office, retiring in 1984. Prior to the Post Office, Mr. Richards was an expeditor for YS&T for 17 years. He formerly was a custodian for both the East Branch and Brownlee Woods Branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County as well as part-time custodian for Faith Community Church in Youngstown. Mr. Richards was a United States Army Veteran during World War II, serving with the 532nd Field Artillery Battalion in Saipan, Okinawa, and the Philippines. He was the recipient of numerous medals and two Presidential Citations. He was a member of the Struthers VFW Post #3538, a member of Sulgrave Masonic Lodge F&AM #696, and a 32nd degree Mason of the Valley of Youngstown Scottish Rite. He was a 50 year member of the Brownlee Woods Presbyterian Church and was currently a member of the Struthers Presbyterian Church. Mr. Richards leaves his wife, the former Lelah âa�A"Maxineâa�A� Allison, whom he married December 26, 1943; one daughter, Linda (Raymond) Atkinson of Kenly, North Carolina; two sons, William J. (Joyce) Richards of Lowellville and Paul (Lisa) Richards of Asheville, NC; one sister, Virginia Peach of Sarasota, FL; five grandchildren, Jeremy (Ashley) Atkinson, Joshua Atkinson, Jennifer Atkinson, Heather Bennett, and Tracie (Shawn) McCaughtry; and three great-grand children, Kaylee Atkinson, Madison and Katelyn McCaughtry. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant brother, James Richards and sister Janet Heberling. Funeral services will be Thursday, 11:00 AM at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, Struthers. Friends may call Wednesday from 5-8 PM where a Masonic service will be held at 8:00 PM. The family request memorial tributes go to the Struthers Presbyterian Church Music Fund, c/o 110 Poland Ave., Struthers, Ohio 44471. Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com

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