Paul S. (PR) Richards (Mr. Maple)
Age 95, passed away peacefully at his home in Edgewater, Fl with 2 of his daughters by his side, on May 12, 2020. A lifelong area resident, he was born August 26, 1924, in Chardon Twp. to William S. and Rena (nee Welk) Richards. He was second generation of Richards Maple Products which was founded by his father in 1910. Paul graduated from Chardon High School, Class of 1942, where he met Clara Jean (CJ) Hartman.
After returning to Chardon from serving in the US Navy during WWII, he and Clara wed August 10, 1946. They settled in the Chardon area where he worked as a head mechanic for Farinacci Buick and also worked Haueter Excavating. Clara and Paul celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary before she passed in December of 2016.
A proud and active supporter of the community, Paul was among the founders of the Chardon VFW, member of the Ohio Maple Producers Association, North American Maple Syrup Council, the International Maple Syrup Institute, and served as President of the 50th Geauga County Maple Festival.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving daughters, Lynda Richards, Bonnie Richards, Debbie (Dave) Rennie, Annette (Jeff) Polson, Paula (Hans) Geiss; Grandchildren – Jen, Mike, Matt, Justin, Tanya & Jason; Greatgrandchildren – Anthony, Sophia, Madelyn, Lilly, Chloe’, Piper, Hudson, Jaiden, Emily & Brady; Daughter-in-Law Sally, and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Roger; grandson, Jeff; Brothers Howard and Bob (Robert) and Parents.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at Chardon United Methodist Church, 515 North Street, Chardon, Ohio 44024.
The family suggest donations be made in his memory to the Ohio Maple Producers Association, 9735 E. Twp. Rd., Republic, OH 44867 and Geauga County Maple Festival, PO Box 124, Chardon 44024.
Arrangements made by the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon, Ohio 44024. Information online and condolences at www.burrservice.com.