It is with sad hearts that we announce our father’s passing. Robert Harold Richards, 87, of Bado, Missouri, passed away peacefully Nov. 26, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Harold served in the Air Force as an MP just out of high school from 1951 to 1954. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan.
Harold was a talented man. He loved to work with his hands. He built our family home in Ellis Prairie, Missouri, where we resided as kids.
He loved hunting and running hounds. He had a great ear for the barking of his specially trained coyote dogs. He loved singing with family, the last song he sang to us was Wheels on the Wagon. He loved teasing his grandkids, and enjoying family get-togethers. He had a big heart and helped his neighbors and friends when he could. He lived his life with strength and vigor, standing strong in his convictions. Harold will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Harold is survived by his children: Debi Richards Drewel and husband Marty, Catherine Richards Elledge and husband Mike, Bob Richards and wife Shannon, Melissa Richards Ceplina and husband Guy and Angelia Richards Walker and husband Darin. His grandchildren: Ryan Drewel and wife Ashley, Ashley Drewel Smith and husband Ryan, Christa Mitchell and husband Dustin, Chad Elledge and wife Amy, Nichole Elledge, Breonna Woodmansee and husband Matt, Zachory Richards, Alex White and husband Travis, Nadatha Walker, Dayanara Taylor and husband Fisher, Eirieann, Karcher, Paisley, Zairaney and Dawson. Also, Kadence, Hailey, Avery, Ellison, Landry, Westin, Laikin, Bryxtyn, Alexis, Micah, Brayden, Hunter, Easton and Olivia.
Harold is preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Richards; his parents, Newt and Mable Richards; his brothers and sisters, Wayne Richards, Henry Richards, Howard Richards, Gerald Richards, Pauline Richards Madison, Fern Richards Sudheimer, Della Mae Richards Allen and Thelma Richards Tackett. Shirley and Clara Mae passed as infants.
Surviving are Joe Richards and Laverne Richards Rowden. He also leaves behind a slew of nieces and nephews that grew up knowing him as a gentle giant. Harold leaves a legacy of his name always preceding him everywhere he went. He was a true force of nature. Harold was larger than life, literally!
Harold chose to donate his body to science so there will be no service, at his request.
Tell Aunt Bonnie and Daddy we all miss them give them big hugs from me. Love Summer Anne
Our Thoughts & Prayers are with the family .. Lonnie & Rose Garrett