Charles Rickards

Rickards, Charles E., 83, of Springfield, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026, in the Springfield Regional Medical Center. Charles was born July 15, 1942, in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Charles W. and Eleanor G. (McClimans) Rickards. He graduated from London High School in 1960 and joined the Air Force where her served 4 years as an air traffic controller. Charles was stationed in France but travelled throughout Europe, Asia and Northern Africa as part of his service. He married Jean Ridenour on June 20, 1964, and they were married for 62 years. He is also survived by two children and their spouses, Michael & Lisa Rickards, Newark, OH and Deborah & Todd Wiley, Wallingford, KY; five grandchildren, Nick (Carson Schuetze) Rickards, Brittany (David Bruckner) Rickards, Emily (Parker Dillon) Kazee, Kara (Grant) Schwartz and Katie (Daryl) Bjorass; three great grandchildren, Una, Eli and Max and numerous nieces and nephews. Charles worked most of his life at Steel Products and Navistar while he worked on and received his Bachelor of Science in Business from Wright State on June 15, 1975. After he retired, he worked part time for Northeastern Local School District as a courier. He volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul and spent many hours at the Animal Welfare League with his beloved cats. Charles liked working in his yard, loved his cars, but most of all loves spending time with his family on his pontoon on Indian Lake. His family will greatly miss him. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 am on Thursday in CONROY FUNERAL HOME. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday in St. Bernard Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, London, OH.