Harbert H. “Dick” Richards, Jr. 73, of rural South Whitley, died at 5:30 a.m. Friday October 16, 2009 at his home.
He was born August 6, 1936 in Huntington, IN a son of Harbert H. and Helen (Reiff) Richards. His formative years where spent in Glendora, CA. The family moved back to the South Whitley area when he began high school. He graduated from South Whitley High School in 1954.
On October 12, 1957 he was united in marriage to Jacqueline Sue Richards. They made there home in the South Whitley area.
A life long farmer, he was also employed by Dana Corp., Fort Wayne for approximately 30 years retiring in 1999. He also drove a school bus for Whitko Schools in the ‘60s and early ‘70s. His passion was farming and he actively engaged in it until his death.
He enjoyed spending his winters at his home in Florida and his grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was a member of Collamer Christian Church, Mizpah Shrine and Eel River Masonic Lodge.
Surviving relatives include his wife of 52 years, Sue; a son, Kent (Becky)Richards, South Whitley; 3 daughters, Krista (Brian) Lickey of Columbia City, Karra (Steve) Heggen of Fort Wayne and Kathryn (Mark) Grachek of Winchester, KY; six grandchildren, Cameron Lickey, Marissa (Boyd) Sallee, Andrew and Vanessa Cleland, Dayne Richards and Todd Rogers; nine step-grandchildren, Michael and Jessie Dimmick, Brandon and Arien Dillion, Brandon and Lindsey Grachek and Alyssa, Kristin and Mariah Heggen; two step-great grandchildren, Ryland and Sauge Blair; a brother David (Judy) Richards, South Whitley and his mother-in-law Eileen Richards of North Manchester
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a father-in-law Jack Richards.
The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, at Collamer Christian Church, 5850S 900W, South Whitley with Rev. David Wagner, Rev. JP Freeman, and Rev Richard Austin officiating. The burial will be in the South Whitley Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday at Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley.
Memorials contributions may be made to Whitko Future Farmers of America.