Melvin M. Richards, age 81 of Erie, Pa. formerly of West Springfield, Pa., was taken home by God’s hand on Wednesday July 22, 2026, at Saint Vincent Health Center.

Melvin was born on March 15, 1945, in Aurora, Oregon, the son of the late Ernest Floyd and Doris Frances (Haskell) Richards.

He worked for many years at Pleasant Ridge Manor and then retired from Girard Plastics. He attended the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Ashtabula, Ohio and attended Harborcreek Baptist Church. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing bingo, bowling, playing cornhole, and he liked to play the Phase 10 card game.

Besides his parents, Melvin was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (Hudacky) Richards in 2020 and his brothers; David Jonathon and Elmer Loyd Richards.

Melvin is survived by his daughter, Tammy Lynn Richards of Cranesville, Pa; two sisters, Betty Jane (Edwin) Fuller of Lake City, Pa. and Ellen F. Whitmore of Ashtabula, OH. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Wednesday July 29, 2026, from 11am to the time of the Celebration of Life Service at 12pm at the Jean Evans Thompson Funeral Home, 11883 Main Street, East Springfield, Pa. with David Whitmore, Missionary for God to the people of Brazil, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lighthouse Baptist Church, 2929 Carpenter Rd, Ashtabula, OH or to the Erie Care Management (Supportive Living Services), 1601 Sassafras St, Erie, PA 16502 or the Harborcreek Baptist Church 4719 Buffalo Rd, Erie, PA 16510