Donald B. Richards

DONALD B. RICHARDS
Donald B. Richards, 84, of Cass City, died following a long illness Wednesday, June 20, 2018 in McLaren Bay Region, Bay City, Michigan. He was born July 20, 1933, in East Detroit, Michigan to Harold and Blanche (McNair) Richards. He married Geneva B. Hunker June 21, 1958 in Harbor Beach, Michigan.

Donald was a graduate of Harbor Beach High School. He attended Graceland College in Lamoni, IA, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. He also served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957. Donald worked many years in the field of education as a teacher of high school science, history and special education and coached several sports. His educational work continued as he served as an administrator of the Regional Education Media Center (REMC), a self-employed educational technology consultant and worked at both Baker University and Saginaw Valley University.
Beginning in 1950, Don began serving the people of the Community of Christ church. He was an Evangelist, High Priest and held various roles over the years as he was a respected leader in the church. His participation with the community brought immeasurable joy and meaning to his life, and deep and lasting friendships with many.
Donald was a strong believer in the worth of all persons, and his life was one of service to people often underestimated and overlooked. He was a co-founder and charter board member of the Huron County Sheltered Workshop, now known as Thumb Industries. He also expressed his strong belief in democracy and civic duty through service on various bodies such as the Cass City Village Council and on the Tuscola County Planning Commission.

Donald is survived by children: Marci (Robert) Anderson of White Lake, Eric (Theresa) Richards of Salem, OR, Scott (Janet) Richards of Cass City, Julie (David) Bitzer of Caro; grandchildren: Ryan (Nikkia) Anderson, Russell (Theresa) Andersonning, Kylie Richards, McKenzie Richards, Stephanie Richards, Allyn Richards, Jennica Richards, Janel Bitzer, Trevor Bitzer; great grandchildren: Noah, Claire, Emrik, Myrna, Alexa, Kaleb, Hunter, Griffin and Cameron; and his brother-in-law Tore Nilsen of Portland, Oregon. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Geneva, a brother, Robert (Nancy) Richards, and sisters Mary Lou (Jay) Lively and Marjorie Nilsen.

The family will be present to receive friends at Kranz Funeral Home in Cass City on Sunday, June 24, 2018 from 1:00 to 7:00 P. M. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 28,2018 at 1:00 p.m. in Northwood Meadows Gathering Hall with Community of Christ ministers officiating, with a meal following the service. A private interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Northwood Meadows Medical Care Unit or Owendale Community of Christ congregation. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by
Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, Michigan
Debra L. Kranz, 989-872-2195