John Michael ‘Dirty’ Richards, 32, of Morgantown, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, with his family by his side, following complications with asthma. He was born February 25, 1987, in Morgantown. He was employed as a heavy equipment operator for Parrotta Paving. He is survived by his parents, John and Roxanne Richards; sister, Kristen Gerard and husband Curt; sister, Kari Richards and fiancé Joe Zeigler; three nieces, Jaynie Rose Gerard, Zoee Anne Zeigler, and Lilly Anna Gerard; maternal grandfather, Joseph Nethken, Sr.; uncle, Joseph Nethken, Jr.; paternal grandmother, Jacquelene Richards; uncle, Steven Richards, all of Morgantown. Michael is also survived by his long time best friend and companion, his dog, Remington; and also many extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, John Richards, Sr.; and maternal grandmother, Nancy Jane Nethken. Michael had a love for sports and his jersey numbers #33 and #82 meant a lot to him. He played baseball since he was four years old which continued into high school and MHS. He also played for Morgantown Post 2 baseball team and enjoyed playing softball at BOPARC with his dad and friends. Huntin’, fishin’ and loving’ everyday. Michael was an avid outdoorsman. You could find him in a trout stream in January and in the woods through December during deer season. He enjoyed fishing native trout streams to fly fishing musky at the river. He is now fishing on the streams in heaven with his grandpap. He was always the life of the party and will be missed by so many. The family would like to thank Mon County EMS, J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital Emergency Department, and CCICU, for the care he received by the many nurses and doctors. Friends will be received at Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home from 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, and from 11 a.m. on Friday, until the time of funeral services at 12 p.m. with the Rev. Vicki D. Sheppard officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be to Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home, to help the family with expenses.
