George D Richards

George D. Richards (G.D.), age 97, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends, Thursday, July 14, 2016. George was born on June 11, 1919 in Glouster, Ohio to William Joseph and Nellie Kittle Richards. George graduated from The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy in 1943. Immediately after graduation, he served the World War II effort through his scientific research and development. After the war, he worked at Batelle Memorial Institute on the Xerox project. Several of the original Xerox patents were a direct result of his work. He then became the top sales person at G.D. Searle Drug before opening his own business, Capital Wholesale Drug Company in 1950. Capital became his life's work. He was actively involved in the daily operations at Capital until last week. He leaves this legacy to his family. George married the love of his life, Betty Jane Wheeler, on Christmas Eve 1942. Over the years, they traveled the world together but always returned to their beloved Grand Cayman Island. They visited more than 20 times, and he worked there as a pharmacist for many summers. In his later years, he spent his weekends at the Richards family farm, Rockbridge Stables, on the back of his tractor. G.D. was recently honored as a 75 year member of the Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the Lions Club, Riverside Methodist Church, and Brookside Golf and Country Club. Every fall since 1928, you could find George supporting his team, The Ohio State Buckeyes, in The 'Shoe. His greatest joy in life was his family. George is preceded in death by wife Betty, parents, and brother Harold. He is survived by children, Karen (Richard Joyner) Richards, George K. (Deborah Bower) Richards, and Linda (Fred Gordon) Richards, grandchildren, Karen (Wes) Patterson, Sarah (Ben) Lynch, Julie (Thompson) Mefford, Jessica (John) Hosgood, and great grandchildren. The entire family would like to thank Bruce Shalter and Randy Klinger for their loving care of George these past few years. The service will be held at Schoedinger Northwest Chapel 1740 Zollinger Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43221 on Tuesday, July 19th at 11am. A reception will be held in G.D.'s honor immediately following the service until 2pm. There will be a private interment at the Richards family farm in Rockbridge, Ohio on Wednesday, July 20th. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the George D. and Betty J. Richards Endowed Fund at the OSU College of Pharmacy, 500 12th Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43210. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to send condolences and share memories.