Michael Sylvester Richards

Michael S. Richards, affectionately known as Mike, was born on July 27, 1956, to Eugenie England and James Richards. On September 13, 2026, Michael departed this life at Mount Carmel East, surrounded by the love and presence of close family and friends.

Michael graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in Queens, New York. As a young man, he proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1974 to 1981. His years of service reflected the discipline, strength, and sense of responsibility that remained a part of him throughout his life.

Michael later met Dawn Lawrence, and on October 24, 1981, the two were united in marriage. Michael and Dawn Richards would go on to share nearly 45 years of marriage, building a life together through the joys, challenges, changes, and treasured moments that come with more than four decades of love and family.

For the last 30 years of his life, Michael called Columbus, Ohio, home. He was a proud man who valued integrity, carried a caring heart, and held his family close. Those who knew him best understood the importance he placed on the people he loved and the relationships he built throughout his life.

Those who will continue to cherish Michael's memory include his beloved wife, Dawn Richards; his children, Jermaine Richards, Tresylain Mayers, and Daunte Richards; his daughter-in-law, Charlice Lawrence; his special son, Mr. Christopher; and his special daughter, Jackie Garcia.

Michael was a proud grandfather to Salena, Jazavier, Janiah, Jalishauwn, Daunte Jr., Lisa Marie, Treylin, Aniyah, and Aliyah, and a great-grandfather to Amiri, Jazir, Kylo, and Emmii.

Michael is also lovingly remembered by his siblings, Esther "Carol" James; Marisska Richards-Nurse (David Nurse); James Richards; Edward "Eddie" Richards (Yolanda Richards); Milton Jr.; and Michelle Richards-Vialet (Shawn Vialet). He also shared a special family bond with Dawn's siblings, James "Uncle Pop" Lawrence, Sean Lawrence (Kevina Lawrence), and Robin Skinner.

He leaves behind a whole host of nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly; his special cousins, Chandra Richards, Robert Richards (Lisa Richards), Dahlia Minette, and Nicole Laborde; along with extended family, cherished friends, and many others whose lives became a part of his own.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; his brothers, Lucian and Delroy; and his beloved son, Jamel Lawrence.

Michael's life was marked by service, perseverance, family, and love. The years may tell the length of a life, but they cannot measure the memories created, the relationships nurtured, or the place a person holds in the hearts of those who love them.

Michael's presence will be deeply missed, but the love he gave, the family he helped build, and the memories shared with him will continue from one generation to the next.