"Wanda and Mike,We are so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and sending you hugs."
In loving memory of
Fred A. Richards
September 10, 1948 - June 23, 2019
Fred A. Richards, 70, passed away peacefully at his home in Marion, Indiana, with his family by his side on Sunday, June 23, 2019. Fred was born on September 10, 1948, to the late Mearl Richards and Donna Richards. He graduated from Eastbrook high school, Class of 1966. Fred was a proud Veteran of the Army from the HHC 4th Battalion, 63d Armor, 1st infantry division Big Red 1. He served in the Vietnam War from October 1968 to October 1969. He was a highly decorated Sergeant in the Vietnam War. His medals include two bronze stars. Fred was a well-known barber at Mans Image on Adams Street in Marion for 45 years until retiring in 2016. He was very detailed in his work and took pride in his abilities to do so. It has been said that Fred had given many haircuts for free because he wanted everyone to look their best, even if they couldnt afford it that day.
Fred married his wife, Cheryl (Durkes) Richards on June 9, 1989. They had just celebrated 30 years of marriage. Fred was an avid car collector and had collected 28 cars throughout his life. He loved them all, but his two favorites were his 1964 Impala and his Super Sport Convertible. He acquired the nickname of Freddie Pumphandle from his grandpa John. He was a member of Sunnycrest Baptist Church and was involved with TV ministry, choir and the Wednesday night childrens ministry. Fred was a member of the Mississinewa Valley Corvette Club and the 9th Street gang.
Fred will be truly missed by his family and friends. He was an unselfish, funny, loyal, loving, generous, tough but gentle soul. He was a confidant to many and those who knew him were blessed and honored to have him in their lives as the biggest hearted man they knew.
He was a good soldier in the fight of cancer. He never complained, he did everything that his doctors and nurses told him. He accepted what it was and never gave up.
Fred is survived by his mother, Donna (Don) Richards; his wife, Cheryl Richards of Marion; his two sons, Jason Richards of Marion and Jed (Brooke) Richards of Westfield; daughter, Tara (Mark) Asbury of Gas City; his sister, Wanda (Mike) Carter of Fairmount; his two granddaughters, Bailey Richards of Westfield and Dakota Richards of Marion; his two step-grandsons, Peyton and Lucas Asbury both of Marion.
He was preceded in death by his father, Mearl Richards.
Arrangements for Fred have been entrusted to College Park Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home Cremation Services, 4601 S. Western Avenue, Marion, Indiana 46953. Services for Fred will be held at Sunnycrest Baptist Church, 2172 W. Chapel Pike, Marion, Indiana 46952, on Thursday, June 27, 2019. There will be a visitation held from 10:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M., with the funeral beginning at 12:30 P.M. with Pastor Troy Bishop officiating. Burial will immediately follow at the Marion National Cemetery, Marion, Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be made to the TV Ministry-Sunnycrest, 2172 W. Chapel Pike, Marion, Indiana 46952.
Online condolences may be left at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com
Tributes
"So sorry for your loss. Freddie was truly a kind and gentle being."
"A wonderful " human being". Rest in peace my friend."
"We r thankful & blessed to have known Fred Richards & his lovely bride Cheryl during our pastorate at SBC. They encouraged us w laughter, support, teaching, friendship, fun times, faithfulness & so much more. Go rest high on that mountain Freddie, you r loved & will be missed. Jesus loves you this we know."
"Cheryl and Family. Our hearts go out to you as you say goodbye to this very special man. It has been a pleasure having a friendship with him. Mike and Becky Marsh, MVCC friends."
"Cheryl Richards my friend I am sorry to hear this about fred Richards of his passing. He is in a better place in heaven no more pain or suffering. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Hugs and love you always. Fred was a good Christian person. Will be missed."
"Cheryl and family you are in my prayersso sorry for your loss"
"Cheryl, so sorry to hear of Freds passing. Prayers for you and your family."
"A RAY OF SUNSHINE was ordered on June 26, 2019"
"Richards family........Tony and I were so saddened to learn of Fred's passing. What a cheery and sweet man he was. Our sincerest sympathy. Hold on to all your dear memories.Jenny and Tony Maidenberg"
"For in excess of 45 years Fred was my Barber, better yet a wonderful friend. We always had a good time together. He gave me a pencil drawing of my airplane that I will always cherish. Blue skies & tailwinds Fred!"
"Cheryl: You were our insurance agent years ago for the Banker's Life & Casualty Insurance Company. Also, we remember you from Sunnycrest Baptist Church and the Marion Easter Pageant. We are so sorry to hear about your your husband. We send our condolences to you and your family. May God bless your family with His peace. Our prayers are with you. Janet, Emilie & Susan Gilbert"
"Dear Cheryl and Family, My heart aches for you with the passing of Fred. I didnt know Fred well, what I do know he was respected and loved by many.I wont be able to attend his service for that Im truly sorry. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Kay (Clune) Carroll."
"We are very sorry to hear of Fred's passing. You are in our thoughts.Terry, Linda and Tim Magers"
"Sorry for your loss,Fred was true friend and my Barber for years.We will be in Tenn but you will be in our Prayers."
"He was such a good friend to our son Don Gallaway! We appreciate all he did for him. Your family will be in our prayers."
"Cheryl, Donna, Wands and family, So very sorry I won't make it there. Deepest sympathy!"
"Sorry to hear about your loss. Fred was a very good person. My thoughts and prayers will be with you."
"We are so sorry Cheryl. What a great guy! Please know that you and your family are in Bev and my prayers.Jim & Bev Benner"
"Gods speed Freddie, I will miss you!"
"I am so sorry for your loss, my prayers Cheryl to you and your family"
"So sorry for your lost,you will be in our prayers."
"Cheryl and Donna Richards: May the love of Jesus Christ overfill your hearts and give you peace at this time of Fred's going home to heaven. He was a good friend from grade school till his passing. I enjoyed seeing him in his barbar shop and listening to his life unfold with the good and the bad. I was blessed to talk to him on the phone the past two years and share his trial. I praise God today because he won the battle. I thank God for putting Fred in my life to be a friend and a brother in the Lord."