George Henry "Hank" Richards, son of George Henry and Florence (Redden) Richards, was born 7 February 1919 in Berrien County, Michigan. Hank's father, George (1877-1941), and mother, Florence (1879-1955), were married 7 March 1916 in Berrien County.
Hank attended and graduated from Western State Teacher's college, Kalamazoo (now Western Michigan University), with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He enlisted 10 October 1942 in the US Army Air Corps and was stationed in the Panama Canal as a member of the Psychological Research Unit during World War II.
Gladys Lucile Thornburg, daughter of Arthur Winslow (1879-1953) and Florence J. (Barry) Thornburg (1873-1977), was born 20 June 1914 in Shiawassee County, Michigan. She graduated from Owosso High School and Bronson Hospital's School of Nursing in Kalamazoo. On 14 January 1941 she married Hank. Gladys was employed as a surgical nurse in Kalamazoo during the time Hank was in the US Army Air Corp. After the war, 1946, she and Hank moved to Okemos where they raised their 4 daughters; Sally, Marsha, Maryette and Susan.
After honorable military discharge Hank obtained both his M.A. and Ed.D degrees from Michigan State College (now Michigan State University). He served as teacher, coach, HS principal and then, for 17 years, Superintendent of Schools at Okemos Public Schools.
Mr. Richards was highly thought of as coach, teacher, principle and Superintendent. The students dedicated the 1952 Tomahawk yearbook to him..."and friend."
Hank moved from the Superintendent position into employment as Educational Consultant for MJK Architects, Engineers, Planners and retired from there in 1983. The Fine Arts Center at Okemos Public Schools was named in Hank's honor. Among his many civic memberships; Okemos Kiwanis Club, The American Association of School Administrators, Phi Delta Kappa, the Okemos Community Church, Okemos Masonic Lodge #252, F & AM.
Hank, age 82, died 23 May 2001. Gladys, age 96, passed away 25 March 2011.