Longtime Galion funeral director Robert G. “Bob” Richardson, 92, died Thursday, December 25, 2014 at Mill Creek Nursing Center in Galion after declining health.
He was born April 8, 1922 in Galion, the son of Clyde and Ada (Trautman) Richardson. Bob married Eileen (Singleton) Richardson on November 6, 1948. She died October 6, 2013, just a month shy of their 65th wedding anniversary.
Bob was a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Galion for more than 66 years. A 1948 graduate of the Cincinnati College of Embalming, he returned to his hometown to work for Herman Volk at his funeral home on South Market Street. They became partners in the Volk-Richardson Funeral Home, which Bob purchased following Herman’s death in 1962. He owned and operated the firm until his retirement in 1984, then served as a consultant to his successors at Richardson-Davis Funeral Home for 29 years.
Bob was a 1940 graduate of Galion High School and a U. S. Navy veteran of World War II, where he served as a pharmacist mate in the Medical Corps in the African-European-Middle East Theatre. He was a lifelong member of Peace Lutheran Church and actively involved as both a member and president of Church Council for many years. He served on the board of the Galion Red Cross and as the chapter chairman; was a volunteer for CONTACT of Crawford County; and was recognized for more than 50 years of service to the Galion Lions Club. He was also a longtime member of Galion Country Club, American Legion Post 243, and Galion Elks Lodge 1191 where he golfed many summers in the golf league.
In addition to his church and civic activities, he and Eileen loved to dance, and spent many a Saturday night with friends at the Pandora Dance Club. He was known for his sense of humor and for playing practical jokes on family members and friends. He also earned a reputation for creating intricate and one-of-a-kind stained glass pieces, which decorated his home as well as the homes of those he loved.
Bob will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him as a true gentleman, a family man, and a caring professional who always exemplified the “People Helping People” motto of the funeral home for generations.
Bob is survived by four children, Craig and Sandy Richardson of Mansfield, Mark Richardson of Galion, Margaret “Peggy” and Miguel Leal of Chicago and Phyllis and Paul Foxworth of Chicago; seven grandchildren, Torrie Holbrook, Katie (Eric) Calhoun, Michael (Alley) Richardson, Melissa Foxworth, Molly (Patrick) Jenkins, Sam Leal and Robert Huenefeld; two great-grandchildren Sky Holbrook and Ezra Triplett and his extended family, Ken and Rhonda Davis of Galion.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Christopher Leal; brothers Donald and William Richardson; sisters Betty Dinkel, Ruth Frutiger, Evelyn Votaw and Barbara Magsig.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014 at Snyder Funeral Home Richardson Davis Chapel, 218 S. Market St., Galion. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, at Peace Lutheran Church, 129 W. Walnut St., Galion with Pastor Richard Genzman and Pastor Paul D. Young officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Galion.
Full military graveside honors will be conducted by the United States Navy and Galion Crestline Veterans Military Funeral Detail.
Memorial contributions may be made to Peace Lutheran Church in care of Snyder Funeral Home Richardson Davis Chapel, 218 S. Market St., Galion, Ohio 44833.
An online obituary and guest registry are available at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
