Elementor #310624

Mark S. Richards, age 62, of Norwich, Ohio, passed away on October 30, 2026 in a tragic ATV accident doing what he loved most, trail riding in the mountains. He was born on April 26, 1964, in Berea, Ohio, to the late Stan and Betty (Thompson) Richards. 

Mark graduated from Strasburg-Franklin High School where he still holds the 1982 Shot Put track record and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016. He also carried on successful athletic careers in football and basketball, though football was his true passion. Mark went on to play football at West Liberty University, earning MVP his junior year and graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration. This led to a lifelong career as a nursing home administrator at various facilities all over the state. He left a lasting impact on the staff, residents and families that he helped over the years. Most importantly though, was the time he spent with his family. Mark married the love of his life, Julie Davis, on September 17, 1994. They went on to build a beautiful life together, raising five daughters. Together they enjoyed camping, hiking, traveling, dancing, laughing, backroad cruising, and making memories together. Mark loved to cook and was famous for his homemade pizza and wine which were enjoyed by many during “Pizza Nights”. He was also known for his bear hugs. Nobody gave a hug like him. Mark loved the mountains and the ocean. Ocracoke Island, North Carolina and the Kentucky mountains had a special place in his heart. Mark loved cutting wood, woodworking, and collecting rocks…no matter their size. He was a man of many talents and enjoyed working with his hands. Looking around his home you can see the many projects he built with love. He had a gentle, creative soul. 

When he wasn’t traveling in “Little Red” or riding his buggy in the mountains, you would find him listening to the best music, cooking for his family or around a campfire, barefoot, playing his cowbell along to a favorite song. His favorite time of the year was Thanksgiving, spending time with his family and extended family, especially on his Friday homemade pizza night. Mark loved life and lived it to the fullest, always remaining young at heart. He was the rock of his family, always keeping family traditions alive.

Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Stan and Betty Richards, his mother-in-law, Mary Bailey, his grandson William Power, special friend, Skip Harper, and a host of brother and sister-in-laws. 

Mark is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Julie Richards, his five daughters, Rachel (Justin) Goff, Jessica (Jason) Power, Jordan (Ted) Davis, Mackenzie (Daniel) Bennett, and Sydney Richards. Mark will always be Poppy to his grandchildren: Jade and Jagger Goff, Jaxon Power, Blayden, Caroline, Emory, Ty and Clara Davis, and Mila, Nora, and Colt Bennett all from New Concord, Ohio. He is also survived by his sister, Kimberly Kaye (Eric) Esteran from Prescott, Arizona and brother, Eric Richards from Bridgeport, West Virginia, sisters-in-law, Edna Huckeby, Carol Mills, Jay (Carl) Moses, brothers-in-law, Bill (Chasinee) Potter, Roger Davis, Rick (Michelle) Davis, and a special brother-in-law that was more like a brother, Berie (Renee) Davis, and a special friend, Kevin Hardesty.

From Mark’s life, one can take away this: love your family to the fullest, don’t waste any time feeling angry, and enjoy every moment while you can.

A funeral service will be held at 11am on Sunday, November 8, 2026 at Farus Funeral Home of New Concord. Family will greet friends from 4-7pm on Saturday, November 7, 2026 and for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Services will be officiated by Chaplain Tim Patton. Mark will be laid to rest at his favorite spot on the hill at his Norwich home following services.

Arrangements care of Farus Funeral Home of New Concord.