Gerald Fennick "Jerry" Richards, age 87, of Celina, Ohio passed away at 6:10 p.m. on Thursday Feb. 4, 2016 at the Lima Memorial Hospital, with his family by his side.

He was born on Sept. 14, 1928 in Howell, MI to the late Fennick & Marguerite (Jackson) Richards. On April 26, 1952 he married the love of his life Nancy E. Morrill, who died on Jan. 22, 2015.

Survivors include his three children and their spouses Cindy & Ronald Birt of Pomeroy, Karen Richards & Kevin Kelly of Washington, VT, Ronald & Tammy (Rolfes) Richards of Celina. He has a grandson Dylan & Katie Birt of Lewiston, ME, great-granddaughter Lucy Lewis Birt, sister-in-law Eleanor Richards of Fowlerville, MI.

Jerry was preceded in death by his brother Weston Richards.

He graduated from Howell High School with the Class of 1946 and accomplished his Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University. He retired as an engineer from Avco New Idea in 1983.

Jerry was a member of the St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Celina, the Michigan State University Alumni Association and Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association. He and Nancy enjoyed trips together, many in their private plane, piper 5430 Foxtrot.

A Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m on Monday Feb. 22, 2016 at the St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Celina, with Rev. Diane Mendelson officiating. Burial will follow in North Grove Cemetery in Celina.

Friends may call a hour before service at the Church on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul's United Methodist Church Building Fund.

Condolences may be left at LehmanDzendzelFH.com.