Dreher L. "Bucky" Richards, Jr.

Dreher L. “Bucky” Richards, Jr., passed away peacefully at home March 10, 2019.
He was born in Berwick, Pa. on August 3, 1930. His parents were Dreher L. Richards, Sr. and Anna Bertelle Yeager. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Dale C. Richards and sister, Patricia Letchworth.

He graduated from Berwick High School and it should be noted that he had a very successful basketball career there. He served in the United States Air Force from 1951 through 1954 in the European Theater. Overseas he played basketball with his unit and was a member of the 10th Air Force Basketball team. After his military service, he entered Bloomsburg State Teachers College and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1957. He began his distinguished teaching career the same year with the West Shore School District at Washington Heights Elementary School in Lemoyne, Pa. and taught 6th grade.

He continued his education, and received a Masters in Education Degree from Temple University in 1962. In 1970, he received a Masters of Science in Communication degree from Shippensburg University. During his career as an Education Administrator with the West Shore School District, he held various administrative positions, primarily as an Elementary School Principal.
His additional activities included 30 years as a PIAA Sports Official i.e. Basketball, Baseball, Soccer (International Official for Soccer). He developed the Soccer program and became the first Soccer Coach at Cedar Cliff High School. During this period, he was an official of Pennsylvania Wheel Chair Sports.

“Bucky” retired from the West Shore School District after a distinguished career of 31 years. After retirement he was employed by PNC Bank as a part time Teller from 1989 to 1996.

He was a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Trustee, Lay Leader, and played drums in the Sunday School orchestra. He was a Life member of the American Legion and the Lower Allen VFW.

“Bucky” was a member and Past Master of Lowther Manor Lodge No. 781, F.& A.M. He was a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Harrisburg; a Life member of Zembo Shrine, Harrisburg. He was a member and Past President of Cumberland County Shrine Club and held active membership in various Shrine Clubs.

He was a past member of the Zembo Sports Car Unit, Zembo Legion of Honor and Past Commander and a Life Member of the Zembo Mounted Patrol. He served as Secretary/Treasurer for the Mid-Atlantic Shrine Horse Patrols in 1991. From 1991 to 2000, he served as Secretary/Treasurer for the International Shrine Association of Horse Patrols. He continued to serve as Secretary of INSHP 1991 thru 2003. He also served as Editor and Publisher of the International Shrine Association of Horse Patrols “Stallion” Magazine from 1990 thru 2011.
In 1998, “Bucky” was named “Shriner of the Year”, International Shrine Association of Horse Patrols. In 2003, “Bucky” was named “Shriner of the Year”, Mid-Atlantic Shrine Association Horse Patrols. He served as Zembo Shrine Circus Chairman for three years (1998-2000).

“Bucky” has been married to Gwendolyn I. “Gwyn” Richards since 1951, they have four children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Camille J. Hammaker and husband, David; Joel Scott Richards and wife, Pamela; Beth Lynn Richards; and Dreher L. Richards III and wife, Linda. Grandchildren include: Nicholas A. Hammaker, Jessica M. Hammaker, Eric C. Richards and wife, Kathleen, Samantha G. Richards, Adrienne M. Seiling and husband, Taylor, and Aubree M. Richards. Great-grandchildren include: Emma R. Richards, Avalyn G. Richards, Brynlee R. Richards, and Reese I. Seiling.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, March 14, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church, 700 Market Street, Lemoyne, PA. Masonic Service will be held at 10:45 a.m. Friends are invited to visit with the family Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until time of the service. Private interment will be at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children — Philadelphia, (www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/philadelphia), 3551 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19140 or Calvary United Methodist Church, (http://lemoynecalvary.org), 700 Market St, Lemoyne, PA 17043.
For more information or to send messages of condolence, please visit www.parthemore.com.