Richard Cleat “Rick” Phares Jr., age 72, of Riverton, WV. Passed way on Wednesday morning, September 30, 2026 at Winchester Regional Medical Center. Born December25, 1953 in Canton, OH. He was the son of the late Richard Phares and Ruth Sites Phares.

He graduated from Circleville High School in 1971 where he played basketball, football and baseball. He was a star basketball player, averaging 30 points a game his senior year, which was the highest average in the tri-state area. He received a scholarship to play basketball at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buchannon, WV. He was a member of the KA Fraternity and graduated with a BS degree in Business Administration.

He lived in Moorefield and Stanton Virginia where he was in the laundromat business for several years and ultimately moved back to West Virginia where he was worked on the farms and the masonry business.

Rirchard leaves behind to cherish his memory: his son, Richard Cleat Phares III (Katie Sullivan): sisters Pamela P Kulback and husband Steven of Birmingham, Alabama, Kimberely L. Godwin and husband John of Morgantown, WV, Sonnee D. Shomo and husband Chad of Swoope, Va.; a brother, Jerry Phares and wife Kitty of Petersburg, WV; and a grandchild “on the way”, Blaine.

Richard's family will receive friends on Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11 AM until 2:00 PM a the Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin, WV. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel, with Pastor James Phares officiating. Interment will be in North Fork Memorial Cemetery, Riverton, WV. Memorials may be made to: North Fork Fire Department or Seneca Rocks Fire Department. Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home.