Robert 'Bob' P. Richards

Robert ‘Bob’ P. Richards, age 98 passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, June 15, 2022 at Grand Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation in Martinsville.  He was a lifelong resident of Brown County.

Bob was born September 2, 1923 in Brown County, to his parents, the late Leo Paul and Velma V. (Waltman) Richards. He was a 1941 graduate of Helmsburg High School. From July of 1943 to November of 1945, Bob served as a Private with the Canadian Army during World War II. He joined the Canadian Army because he said he wanted to see the world.

Bob retired in 1975 from Brown County Schools where he was a Bus Driver for over 28 years. He also retired in 1988 from Waycross Camp & Conference Center in Brown County, where he worked in Maintenance for over 15 years. While working both those jobs, he continued to farm and do custom hay bailing and he was also the owner and operator of Richards Sawmill in Brown County.

On May 1, 1948, Bob married the love of his life, Claire "Shorty" E. (Percifield) Richards in Martinsville.  She preceded him in death on March 29, 2019 after 70 loving and devoted years of marriage. Bob and Shorty, enjoyed being members of the Moto Guzzi National Owners Club and together they traveled to 39 states and 6 Provinces in Canada on their Guzzi motorcycle in 30 years. Bob was a member of the Antique Tractor & Farm Machinery Clubs in Brown, Morgan and Johnson Counties.  

Bob is survived by his sons, Alan Richards, Phillip (Julie) Richards & William (Alice) Richards, all of Brown County; sister, Mary Voland of Brown County; sister-in-law’s, Linda Richards of Trafalgar and Mary Jane Richards of Brown County;

grandchildren: Sarah Richards of Boston, MA, Neil (Lisa) Richards, Jamie (Mandy) Richards and Joshua (Stephanie) Richards all of Brown County; great-grandchildren, Triston, Porter and William Richards, and Blake Moeller; and several nieces and nephews.                         

He was preceded in death by brothers, John and Charlie Richards; daughter in law, Darlene Richards.

Bob’s wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of his Life will be held on Sunday, August 7th from 11-5 p.m. at the Fruitdale Volunteer Fire Department, 5200 N. St. Rd. 135 in Bean Blossom. At 3 p.m., Bob will be recognized for his military service by the Canadian Army and the Brown County Honor Guard. Cremation services have been entrusted to Meredith - Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center in Morgantown.

Memorial contributions may be sent in honor of Bob to Alzheimer’s Association, 50 East 91st Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46278 and or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516 Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

Condolences to the Richards family can be made at meredith-clark.com.

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