Obituary of Douglas L. Richards

Douglas Lyle Richards, 88, of Westmoreland NY, died on February 13, 2025.  He was born on April 27, 1936,  in Utica, the son of the late William and Thelma (Lewis) Richards of Vernon Center, NY.

He attended a one room schoolhouse on the corner of Skyline Dr and Route 5 until 6th grade, he finished his education at the Vernon Verona Sherrill High School, graduating in 1954.  He was a member of the Lairdsville United Methodist Church and a friend and visitor of the Bartlett Baptist Church.  He married Lilly Eisenhut in 1957.  In 1959 the young couple established a family dairy farm in the town of Westmoreland. Doug and Lilly touched the lives of many people, including local youths that helped with haying, planting or harvesting crops and of course, tending to the cows. He retired from farming in 2012.

Doug had a rare talent to find common acquaintances with every person he met.  He was blessed with an optimistic personality, brilliant blue eyes, an infectious personality, and a smile that could light up a room.  He was a favorite among the staff at the Presbyterian Home, they affectionally referred to him as “ Farmer Doug”. 

Doug is survived by his beloved children, Ernest Richards of Utica, NY; Fred and wife Joan Richards, Westmoreland; Susan Richards and husband Larry Lelievre, Westmoreland; Kenneth Richards and Teri Hight, Herkimer; Patty Richards and her wife Ingrid, VT; former son-in-law Jeff Clark, VT and former daughter-in-law Verneil Johnson, Westmoreland.  He is survived by his cherished grandchildren, Nicole and husband Shawn, Elisha and husband Charlie, Andy, Carolyn, Roy and Dana, Keith and wife Erin, Travis and Elyce, Amanda and husband Josh, Mikala and Kyle, and Kaitlin, great-grandchildren Kyle, Connor, Alice, Adaline, Travis, Abigail, Ava, Nina, Mica, Annabella, Liam, Lucas, RJ and Charlotte.

Doug is also survived by his brother, Ralph Richards, Clinton; sister-in-law Barb Richards, AZ; brother-in-law Walter Eisenhut, and his wife Joan, Westmoreland; sister-in-law Ann Eisenhut, East Greenbush and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his former wife Lilly Richards, Westmoreland; brother William (Bill) Richards, AZ; sister-in-law Florence Richards, Vernon; sister Betty Craig and her husband Jack Craig, Vernon Center; brother-in-law Romey Eisenhut, East Greenbush.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the staff at the Presbyterian Nursing Home where he had resided for 7 years, he made many friends there.  Their dedication and compassion are a blessing from God.

Doug has donated his body to the Anatomic Gift Program at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY.  Interment will take place at a later date, at the Deansboro Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory, to the Utica Rescue Mission.

Calling hours will be held from 3-5pm on Friday February 21st at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, 35 College St, Clinton, NY.  Following the calling hours, a celebration of life will be held at the Stanwix Heights Vol Fire Dept, 6580 Bartlett Rd, Rome, from 6-8pm.