Charles A. Richards, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and esteemed community member, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on the Richards farmhouse on Montgomery Road in Licking County, Charles's journey began in a place rooted in love and resilience.

Charles was a proud graduate of Newark High School, class of 1952. His life was marked by dedication and honor, as evidenced by his service in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958, followed by his time in the reserves until 1963. He brought the same commitment to his civilian career, working as a dedicated truck driver for Gaffney and Central Transport for over 40 years. Prior to that, Charles served customers at the downtown Big Bear and contributed to the production at the Heisey Factory.

Faith and community were central to Charles’s life. As a long-standing member of Faith United Methodist Church in Twinsburg for over 50 years, he received the prestigious Hilbert Bergen Award for Leadership in Stewardship from the East Ohio Annual Conference on March 10, 2002. His contributions and leadership left a lasting impact on all those who knew him.

Charles married the love of his life, Dolores A. (Mantonya) Gentry, on March 7, 1965. Their union, officiated by Reverend Emmett Osborne at the Marne UEB Church, was filled with deep love and companionship until Dolores’s passing on April 23, 1992.

Left to cherish Charles’s memory are his children: Rhonda (Bill) Thomas, David Richards, Charles Richards, Michael (Renee) Gentry, and Jason (Maria) Richards. He was a proud grandfather to Stacy, Matthew, Justin, Valarie, Charles II, Nicole, Heather, Sarah, Sydney, Joshua, and Anna, alongside nine great-grandchildren, three great great grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, David Roy and Zilla Richards; his wife, Dolores; his son, Raymond L. Richards; granddaughter, Leigh Ruffner-Lucas; and sisters, Norma Louise Axline, Wilma Ellen Macklin, Hallie Eleanor Colopy, and Frances Iacobellis.

In leisure, Charles enjoyed traveling, exploring genealogy, and watching the Cleveland Indians and professional golf. Known for his charisma, humor, and unwavering faith, he was the cherished patriarch of the Richards family, where he was also known for giving tractors rides to his nieces, nephews and many other family members.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, at 12:00 pm at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service, with burial in Barnes Cemetery, where military honors will be observed by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the funeral home, located at 179 Granville Street, Newark. Those who wish may make memorial donations in memory of Charles, to Mt. Carmel Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Charles had a fondness for colorful, wild socks. In his memory, family and friends are invited to wear their wildest socks to celebrate the joy and individuality he brought to life.

Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to care for Charles and his family. 

Charles’s legacy of kindness, love for Jesus, and lively spirit remains eternally in the hearts of many.