Donald P. Richards

Donald P. Richards, 78

Donald P. Richards, 78 of Portsmouth, died Sunday, January 15, 2023 at his home. He was born August 16, 1944 in East Liverpool, Ohio to the late Ralph Edwards and Minnie Tackett Castle.

Along with his parents he was preceded in death by grandparents: Alan and Mary Bias Richards, grandmother Rose Edwards McClelland, sister carol Edwards and a half brother Thomas Edwards,

Don graduated from Portsmouth West High School May, 1962, after graduation he entered the United States Marine Corps and served from 1962 until 1969. he was honorably discharged March, 1969, after serving in Vietnam. He was awarded a Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. A Combat Action Ribbon, 2 Presidential Unit Citations, a Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Ribbon with Silver Star, two South Vietnam Presidential Unit Citations, the Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon. He is a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

He retired from New Boston Coke Corp. in 1994 after 25 years of service & a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and Christ’s Restoration Branch, Lucasville, Ohio.

Don is survived by his wife, Debra (Gyor) Richards whom he married December 9, 1987 in New Boston, a son Donald Richards II (Pam) of Otway, a daughter Angela (John) Oravetz of Newark, stepson, Dustin (Erin) Barker of Columbus, stepdaughter Kristi Gyor of Portsmouth, 2 half sisters: Sue (Larry) Parker of Houston, TX and Rebecca Littleton of Phoenix Ar., best friend of 60 years, Forest Monoskie, 4 grandchildren, 7 step grandchildren, 2 step great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 3:00 PM Friday January 20, 2023 at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth with Elder Don Mottashed officiating, Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington Va. with full military honors. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday starting at 1:00 PM. Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com. 

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