Richards, Otis Meredith 1915-2006

RICHARDS, GALVIN, VINSON

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 11/6/2006 at 20:49:01

Otis Meredith Richards was born on June 3, 1915, in Pleasantville, the oldest child of Tommy and Ruby (Galvin) Richards.

He lived in Pleasantville his entire life. Otis was united in marriage to Hazel L. Vinson on Sept. 17, 1940, in Unionville, Mo. The couple lived on a farm just south of Pleasantville for 51 years. They moved to town in 2001 after Otis retired from farming.

He was very active in many organizations, including the Texas Longhorns Association, the Pony Express Riders of Iowa, the Iowa Farm Bureau and the original Pleasantville Saddle Club, where he served as president for one term. He also served a term as president in the Eastern Iowa Breeders Association. Raising crops and livestock was the love of his life. He was extremely proud of each member of his family and proud of every one of their accomplishments. It was said that he was a fair and honest man, a hard worker and a man of high integrity who could always be trusted. He was truthful and a man of his word who was admired and loved by his family and community.

Otis passed away on Sept. 9, 2006, at the Comfort House Hospice in Pella at the age of 91.

He was prededed in death by his parents; his brother, Duane and sisters, Margaret Bane, Joan McRae and Bonnie Vrban.

He is survived by his wife, Hazel; sons, Jim (Karen) Richards of Pleasantville and John (Debi Garner) Richards of Ankeny; siblings, Jack Richards of Martensdale, Carolyn Hull of Des Moines, and Marianne Stubbs and Jerry Richards, both of Pleasantville; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and many other family members and friends.

Funeral services were held on Sept. 12 at Mason Funeral Home with Pastor Don Hill offficiating. Interment was in the Pleasantville Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Comfort House Hospice.