Thomas Chapin Richards

Thomas Chapin Richards of Owensboro, Ky., died Friday, November 27, 2009, following a brief illness.

He was born September 9, 1926 in Forty Fort, Pa., son of Howard and Hazel Richards. He was a state champion wrestler and also an accomplished gymnast, diver, and swimmer. He remained an athlete throughout his life and especially enjoyed tennis and golf.

Tom served in the U.S. army at the end of World War II and was also a member of the Elks Club and the Masonic Order.

Mr. Richards was an undergraduate at Wilkes College and received his graduate degree from Columbia University. He taught math and also served as a school principal in Pennsylvania before beginning a long career in textbook sales and management in Arizona, Illinois, and California. In his later years he enjoyed a successful career as a salesman in the Christmas tree industry and greatly widened his circle of friends and colleagues across the eastern United States and Canada during innumerable trips to conventions and trade shows, accompanied on most occasions by his wife. From these nursery trade shows, Mr. Richards accumulated many varieties of trees, shrubs, and perennials, and he and his wife greatly enjoyed building up and maintaining their garden and lawn, both of which were a source of great pride for the family.

A natural salesman and people person, Tom made friends easily and related naturally to everyone he met. He was a loving father, uncle, and grandfather and a devoted husband and gave of himself with his whole heart.

During his years in Owensboro, Mr. Richards attended St. John UMC and Century Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and for the majority of the past two decades attended, and later became a member of, First Baptist Church of Owensboro. An active and enthusiastic participant in the First Baptist community, Tom was always willing to serve his church however he could when called on.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years Sylvia Thrasher Richards; daughters Dawn Richards and Leslie Courtney; stepson Jeffrey Hamrick; grandchildren Carrie Predeger, Andy Gramer, Brandon Wright, and Michelle Wright; great-grandsons Finn and Reid Predeger; two nieces and one nephew.

Services are 12 noon Wednesday, December 2, 2009 in the chapel of Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Salvation Army, Owensboro Corps, P.O. Box 943, Owensboro, KY 42302.

Online condolences may be left at www.glennfuneralhome.com.