Vernon Richards passes away

Brother of Karen Meffe, Ellen Ryan, Sharon Vincent

Vernon Joseph Richards

Vernon Joseph Richards of Monongah, widow of Joyce Thurston Richards, passed away Wednesday, July 24.

His parents were John "Buck" and Nina Martin Richards.

Joyce was born in Hendersonville, North Carolina to Woodrow and Lottie Mintz Thurston.

Their children are John David Thurston and wife Connie of Virginia, Frankie Brogdon of Florida, Vicki Lynn Richards Henderson and husband Larry of Hendersonville, North Carolina, and Robert Layne Richards and wife Karen of Monongah.

Vernon’s sister, Karen Richards Meffe, Class of 1967, is the widow of Butch Meffe. Another sister, Ellen Richards Ryan, Class of 1960, lives in Fairmont. His sister, Sharon Richards Vincent, Class of 1967, lives in Monongah with husband Mark Vincent.

Vernon’s sister-in-law Ruby Richards lives on Tower Hill in Monongah.

There’s a Carol Richards, Class of 1968.

Vernon’s obituary:

Vernon Joseph Richards, 74, of Monongah, WV died Wednesday, July 24, 2019 following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born June 8, 1945 in Monongah. He was the son of the late John “Buck” and Nina Martin Richards.

He is survived by a daughter, Vicki (Richards) Henderson and her husband Larry of Flat Rock, NC; a son, Robbie Richards and his wife Karen of Towerhill, Monongah, WV; his sisters, Ellen Ryan of Fairmont, Karen Meffe of Fairmont, and Sharon Vincent and her husband Mark of Monongah; a sister-in-law, Ruby Richards of Towerhill, Monongah, WV; four grandchildren, Whitney Richards Odell, A.J. Richards, Ryan Henderson, and Cadie Henderson; four great grandchildren, Meredith and Chloe Odell, and Dorothy and Carter Richards; and a very special niece, Jennifer Gooden.

He was preceded in death by his father, John “Buck” Richards, his mother, Nina Martin Richards; his wife, Joyce Richards; a sister, Julia Love Richards; a brother, Jimmy Richards; a brother, Wilford “Martin” Richards; a brother-in-law, Butch Meffe; and a brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Ryan.

He was affectionately called “Poppy” by most everyone. He enjoyed his grandchildren and loved them very much. He dearly loved his wife, Joy, who had recently passed on. He missed her terribly. He loved afternoon naps in his recliner and loved animals of all kinds. He was known for bringing home any stray he found. He rescued many animals during his lifetime; horses, dogs, cats, bunnies, birds, you name it, he had it. He had a fondness for old westerns - Gunsmoke, Maverick, Cheyenne, just to name a few. He loved tinkering in his garage, and he would help anyone who drove up. He was generous to a fault.

He was also known for not being a religious man, for his lack of patience, and for being as stubborn as a mule. He was always opinionated and insisted on telling it like it was. On the other hand, he was charismatic and never met a stranger. He was amazingly strong and determined until the very end. He was loved and will be missed by many. He did accept the Lord a week before he passed away.

He was an extremely private man. He chose to be cremated, and requested we not have a funeral but for his children to spread his ashes and suggested a family/friend cookout of sorts which will be announced at a later date. The family welcomes visitors at Vernon’s home on Friday, July 26, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The family will receive friends and family on Saturday, July 27, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Sunrise Chapel in Fairmont. Cards may be sent to Vernon’s address c/o Vicki or Robbie PO Box 9045 Monongah, WV 26554. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com . Cremation services have been provided by Domico Funeral Home in Fairmont.