Joshua David Richards, 45, of Big Springs, West Virginia, died unexpectedly November 1, 2026, following a medical event.
He was born January 12, 1981, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, a son of the late David Richards and Lillian Haskins Shaffer of Millstone, WV.
In addition to his mother, Lillian Shaffer, he is survived by his step-father John Shaffer; sister Alicia Curtis and her husband Ryan Curtis; maternal grandmother Edna Dettman; he cherished his companion Natasha Davis; aunts Jackie Bates and Pam Sheppard; uncle Bruce Bates; nephews Branson Curtis and Ledger Curtis coming early December; step-brother Steve Shaffer and his wife Brandy Shaffer; step-sister Kristy Emerson and her husband Russ Emerson; and his dogs which he adored, Rusty, Lady Bird, Olive, and Sheba. Josh also had a group of friends that he thought of them as family, Matt and Morgan Stinn; Brian Grogg and Angela Wang; John Lake and Deidre Gumm; and Lisa and Jason Walker. He enjoyed cooking for them and hanging out around a fire.
We will miss Josh’s smile and his big heart. He would do anything he could for anyone in need.
In addition to his father, David Richards, he was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Dewain and Greta Richards; maternal grandfather Jack Haskins; maternal step-grandfather Don Dettman; and niece Brea Curtis.
A funeral service will be held at Stump Funeral Home & Cremation, Inc., 107 Market Street, Grantsville, West Virginia, on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Tim Hickman officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Nobe Cemetery.
Fond memories and words of comfort can be shared with Josh’s family and friends at www.stumpfuenralhomes.com
