ARGYLE – Leon R. Richards, 77, of Argyle, passed away, peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at the Glens Falls Hospital.
Born on October 26, 1938, in Fort Edward, he was the son of the late Robert and Carmella (Corella) Richards.
After graduating from Hudson Falls High School, Leon continued his education in Culinary Arts. He enjoyed cooking throughout his life.
On March 30, 1982, he married Donna D. Crawford, at the Bay Road Presbyterian Church in Lake George.
For the past 40 years, he has owned and operated Richards Oil Company in Argyle. Leon lived and breathed the oil business. He loved chatting with his customers and “peddling oil”. When he wasn’t making sure that homes in the north country were warm, Leon spent his time hunting, camping and fishing at Blue Mountain lake. He had a passion for the family camp on the lake and for years he was a member of the Blue Mountain Lake Club.
Leon was a founding supporter of both the Independence Yankee and the Liberty Proclaimer Newspapers. As a staunch conservative, he was a patriot who believed in less government, more individual responsibility, owning a business, working hard and giving back to the community.
Leon also coached Little League Baseball, when his sons were young. He was a longstanding member of the Oneida Community Church. Leon had a deep love for the Lord and his church family. He will be remembered for being a very giving and generous man, who will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Faye Richards.
Leon is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Donna Richards of Argyle; his step mother, Grace Richards of Saratoga Springs; his children, Jeffrey L. Richards and his wife, Michelle of Argyle, Kellie Anne (Richards) Stewart and her husband, Butch of Hickory, NC; Mark L. Richards and his wife, Jacquie of Fairbanks, Alaska and Scott L. Richards and his wife, Nicole of Glens Falls; his two step sons, Daniel Coltrain of Hudson Falls and John Coltrain and his wife, Erika of Corinth; 14 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren; two sisters, Carrolle Kelly and her husband, Gilbert of NC and Cherie Luke and her husband, Ken of Colorado; his brother, William Saunders and his wife, Bea of Argyle; his step sister, Carol Biggie and her husband, Dan of Saratoga Springs; his step brother, Harold “Skip” Moore of CT; his first wife, Bella Harrington of Glens Falls; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends may call on Friday, January 22, 2016, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
Funeral services will be 11 on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at the Oneida Community Church on Sunnyside Road in Queensbury, with Reverend David McCane, pastor officiating.
Burial will be in the spring at Scotch Cemetery in Bay Road in Queensbury.
In lieu of flowers, Leon’s family has requested memorial donations be sent to the Michael J Fox Foundation, for Parkinson’s Research, C/O Team Fox Adirondacks, 5 Jerome Lane, South Glens Falls, 12803, payable to MJFF Fundation.
The family would like to thank Dr. Andrew Garner, the nurses, technicians and staff of Tower 3 at the Glens Falls Hospital for all their care and compassion given to Leon and his family.
