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Larry G. Richards, 79, of Walker, West Virginia, was called home to be with the Lord on August 30, 2026. He was born on January 13, 1947, in Washburn, West Virginia, to Mestil and Robert Richards.
Larry grew up in Ritchie County, West Virginia, and was a proud 1964 graduate of Harrisville High School. He went on to study at Glenville State College where he completed his Bachelors degree in 1968 and his Masters degree in 1971. He briefly taught biology at Harrisville High School followed by a long career as a guidance counselor at Parkersburg South High School, where he thoroughly enjoyed his daily interactions with students and faculty.
In 1971, Larry married Lois (Hedberg) Richards. Together, they built a life centered around their family and shared 55 wonderful years together. They were blessed with two daughters, Kimberly (Michael) Farnsworth and Beverly (Matthew) Weatherly.
Larry was a beloved grandfather to his seven grandchildren: Andrew (Sarah) Weatherly, Abigail (Scott) Talbot, Nathan (Sophie) Weatherly, Lucas Weatherly, Zachary (Hannah) Farnsworth, Rachel Farnsworth, and Madeline Farnsworth. One of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren grow and cheering them on in their various endeavors. To them, he was lovingly known as 'Papa.'
Larry was a devoted Christian and faithfully attended Vienna Baptist Church for more than 50 years. He loved the Lord and treasured his church family. Throughout his decades at VBC, he enjoyed helping with the Senior High Youth Group, teaching the Seekers Sunday School Class, serving as a deacon, playing on the church softball team, and assisting with numerous church work/mission trips to Panther, WV. One of his favorite ministries was sharing the Gospel with people through his work with Evangelism Explosion.
Larry had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening, and throughout the warm months would be found working on his property on his tractor, four-wheeler, side-by-side, and other outdoor equipment. He always had a project, whether working on his land, building a new creation, or tinkering with and fixing equipment.
He enjoyed traveling and exploring parks across the country, especially those in West Virginia. Two of his favorite WV parks were Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls, places where he could enjoy the outdoors, camping and fishing with family while surrounded by the beauty of God's creation.
Larry had a passion for antique cars and especially treasured his 1955 Thunderbird, the restoration of which he was able to oversee during his retirement. He enjoyed displaying the Thunderbird at antique car shows and sharing his appreciation for classic vehicles with others.
Above all, Larry loved his family. His greatest happiness came from spending time with his wife, his children, and especially his grandchildren. The memories he created with them will continue to be cherished for generations to come.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Steve Richards and Raymond Richards. He leaves behind his beloved wife, two daughters, seven grandchildren and his very faithful and loving dog, Penny.
Larry will be remembered as a faithful Christian, a loving husband and father, a proud Papa, a dedicated counselor, and a man who found joy in his family, his faith, and the simple pleasures of the outdoors. Though he will be deeply missed, his life and the memories he made with those who loved him will live on.
Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 4, 2026, at Lambert Tatman Funeral Home, 3005 Grand Central Avenue, Vienna, West Virginia.
Visitation will also be held at Vienna Baptist Church, 3401 Grand Central Avenue, Vienna, West Virginia, on Saturday, September 5, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. and followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. with Pastor Dwight Brohard officiating. Burial will take place at Sunset Memory Gardens, Parkersburg, WV.
"And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." - Acts 2:21
Lambert-Tatman of Vienna is honored to assist the Richards Family with arrangements.