Donald T. Richards, 91, of Clearwater, FL died on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at home under the care of Suncoast Hospice. At this time no services will be held.
Mr. Richards was born on May 6, 1924 in La Porte City, Iowa to Theodore and Dorothy Richards. He graduated high school in 1942 and served in the US Army during World War II. He was wounded and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged in 1946 earning the rank of Private First Class. Don married Rosalie Bradfield on July 12, 1946 and later divorced. He married Natalie Williamson on December 28, 1978.
Don partnered with his father at Richards & Richards Implements and Coal dealership. Don was a carpet representative until he retired and moved to Florida. He was very talented with art and loved to draw portraits. He loved baseball and was an umpire for many years. Don was a member of The Kirk of Dunedin Church and also a lifetime American Legion member.
He is survived by his wife and his four children: Cindy (Bruce) Gross of Odessa, MO; Reid (Cathy) Richards of Bloomington, IL; Cathy (Jerry) Siemens of Vinton, IA and Brad (Ann) Richards of Rochester, MN; two step-children: Ramona Frederick and Russ (Cherie) Williamson, both of Papillion, NE; 19 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, great-granddaughter, DeAnn Gross and stepson, Rick Williamson.
Memorials may be sent to The Kirk of Dunedin Community Church, 2686 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin, FL 34698.
Dad, this is so hard to see and read even though I know you are no longer “earth bound” and are now at home with Jesus. I guess it makes it official and that is hard. I thank the Lord for the wonderful years we had together. I have so many memories of you wrestling with us, cutting our nails, teaching us songs as you played the harmonica and letting us rub your back and brush your hair. You were strict but loving and merciful and always reminded us kids when we fought that you were an only child and would have given anything to have a sibling to love. There was never any shortage of your love and kisses. Although we were far apart for many years, I always have my memories of a wonderful childhood with a great daddy. See you one of these days. Binky
Will miss you Dad! You taught us so much about integrity and manners. About striving to be the top at what we do. About preserving conservative tradition. About patriotism, love of country and respect for our military. About respect for our elders. So many things that we have passed onto our children. You lit up a room when your family entered always gushing with Love that was so contagious. Love, Brad, Ann, Kate, Claire, Matt, Stacey, Caden, Kayla, Sam Richards.
Being a proud veteran myself,I thank you for your service and hope to meet you in heaven.Patricia(Franks)Watson(USAF).