It is with deep regret that the Laytonsville District Volunteer Fire Department announce the passing of Charter Member Charles "Pat" Richards, Sr.

Charles M. "Pat" Richards, Sr., 89, of Laytonsville, MD passed away on June 13, 2015. Pat was born in Clarksburg, MD, May 25, 1926. He attended Clarksburg Elementary School and graduated from Gaithersburg High School in 1944. After graduation he went to work for a local tire distributor, G.D. Armstrong Company in Laytonsville, Maryland.

Pat was a Sergeant for the Maryland State Guard from 1943 to 1946.

He married a local girl from Laytonsville, Mary Frances "Sis" Windham in 1947.

Pat was in the Army from February 1952 until February 1954 and was discharged as a Staff Sergeant. While in the Army, he was stationed at Camp Pickett, Virginia, as an Instructor in Basic Training.

He resigned his employment at G.D. Armstrong Co. to start his own tire retreading business on February 13, 1956.

Montgomery Tire Service, Inc. was first located in Rockville, MD. In 1965, having outgrown the Rockville location, he built a larger plant on Snouffer School Rd. in Gaithersburg, MD. He was lucky enough to continue this business through May 6, 1996. In 1965, he established Metropolitan Fleet Service, Inc., a truck tire service in Gaithersburg, MD. Metropolitan Fleet Service, Inc. continued through May 6, 1996.

Pat was actively involved in the Lions Club, St. Paul United Methodist Church, and Laytonsville District Volunteer Fire Department. He was an active, charter member, and past president of the Lions Club. Pat was best known for recruiting new members, giving gallons of blood, top fruit sales, and selling the most raffle tickets at the Montgomery County Fair. Pat was a member of the American Legion Post #68 since 1954. He had served on the Laytonsville Town Council. Pat had been a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church since 1943. He served as church trustee, lay leader, and was a member of the choir. Pat joined the Laytonsville District Volunteer Fire Department in 1954 and was a charter, life member. He had served as president, vice president, captain of rescue, and was a first aid instructor. Pat served on the executive board for many years. He served over twenty years of service to the community of Laytonsville. When the firehouse burned in 1965, Pat was chairman of the Fund Raising Committee. It was his determination and grit raising funds that helped rebuild the fire station as it is today. For many years, Pat sponsored Gaithersburg Sports Association baseball teams for youths and the Laytonsville Elementary School Spring Festivals.

Pat was the husband of the late Mary Frances "Sis" Richards. He is survived by his son, Murphy Richards (Joanne) of Laytonsville, MD, as well as a grandson, Timothy Richards (Ashley), and two great-grandchildren, Delainey and Gavin. He is also survived by a brother, Joseph Richards (Caroline) of Mt. Airy, MD. Pat was predeceased by two sisters, Louise Mullinix and Helen D'Este, as well as three brothers, James, Earl, and William Richards.

Relatives and friends may visit on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 from 5pm to 8pm at the Roy W. Barber Funeral Home, 21525 Laytonsville Rd., Laytonsville, MD 20882.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 11am at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 21720 Laytonsville Rd., Laytonsville, MD 20882. Interment will follow at Laytonsville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Laytonsville District Volunteer Fire Department.