"Gerald was a special cousin only being one year younger than me. He did keep me posted what was going on in the family since we lived farther away. I will miss him."
In loving memory of
Gerald K. Richards
June 29, 1942 - May 9, 2020
Gerald K. Richards, 77, of Upland, died Saturday, May 9, 2020, at Marion General Hospital. He was born June 29, 1942, in Gaston, Indiana the son of the late William A. and Irene E. (Smith) Richards.
Gerald was a graduate of Summitville High School with the class of 1960; after high school he served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict.
Even though he never married, he enjoyed being with his family; not having children of his own, his nephews became his children. As a farmer and construction worker by trade, he was always helping others and enjoyed visiting with his neighbors, going to nursing homes and visiting his friends. He was a member of the Lions Club for 43 years, previously as a member of the Gaston Lions Club, but most recently was a member of the Matthews Lions Club, where he especially enjoyed serving in the Frosted Malt Trailer at festivals. He was involved with the Habitat for Humanity in Marion, and was formerly employed at Home Depot, Marion.
Survivors include three sisters: Mary Ethel Baker, Gas City; Carol Stroup, Matthews; and Nancy (John) Dumpert, Gaston; a brother: Wayne (Betty) Richards, Gaston; six nephews: Tony (Julia) Baker; Jim (Kellie) Dumpert; Rod Stroup; Rich (Melanie) Stroup; Kenny (Sara) Dumpert; and Brad (Megan) Richards; and several great and great-great nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by a niece: Diana K. Baker; and two nephews: Dennis Baker and Bryan Richards.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jones-Smith Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home Cremation Services, 259 N. Main St. Upland, IN, where the visitation will be held from 4-8 pm, Thursday, May 14, 2020. The funeral service will be at 11:00 am, Friday, May 15, 2020, at the funeral home with an hour of visitation prior to the service. Pastor Michael Osborne will be officiating and burial with Military Rites will follow in the Matthews Cemetery, Matthews.
The family would encourage those that are not comfortable attending the visitation or funeral to leave a memory or condolence online at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Matthews Lions Club, P.O. Box 55, Matthews, Indiana, 46957.
Tributes
"Thanks Mike. Sorry that you was not able to be there. Gerald thought a lot of you as well"
"I am so sadden to hear about Gerald's passing. He was a wonderful and loving man. He always had a smile on his face and would sure put a smile on your own within a few minutes. He was such a great pillar in our community and hearts. I will sure miss you Gerald. Until we meet again my friend. Love Dee Amos and the Amos family."
"Well I really wish I could be there but its impossible for me to make it. Gerald enjoyed calling hours more than most, when my dad died he came and as we were talking I realized he was holding my hand, such a small thing that had a big impact. Theres no way I could begin to write all I would like to so Im just going to say that I cherished and loved him being in my life almost as long as I can remember the whole Richards family for that matter were all very good to me growing up. Im sure he is enjoying catching up with Bill and Irene and Id imagine they wont be together long before he hears Gerald quit your swearing lol he will be missed"
"Gerald was a kind and thoughtful person. And we know he will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. "
"So sorry we cannot be there and be with you but we don't go in crowds at this time. Please accept our condolences for Gerald passing. He was always so friendly and I loved to talk to him. He always had a smile and I know he will be missed so much. Love Linda and Frank Burton"
"Sorry to hear of Geralds passing. I would love to be with all of you, but because of this pandemic, I don't think we should attend. Looking to a visit with your family soon. He will be greatly missed by family and friends."
"Growing up Gerald was someone I always liked to around and then as a young man in the Lions Club I was got to see his quiet humor and gentle personality alive with dedication to serving others. A great role model."
"There have been so many memories through the years - camping trips with the crazy camping clan, hog roasts, jokes , etc. We will miss you!"
"Thanks Jill he enjoyed you and your moms company as well. The Christmas candy will be missed. Gerald will be missed in a lot ways."
"Thanks Anne for condolences it means a lot to us. Rich,Melanie and Grant says hi"
"Thanks Terri he loved building them barns. Actually the one he built for rod and I is upstairs in his barn."
"What a kind and generous man. We lost another good one. I was lucky enough to see him at the Gaston fair for years. Always a smile on his face . May the family find some peace during this time. God bless."
"Rich and Melanie -Please accept my condolences on the passing of your uncle. Although I did not know him, I know how hard it is to lose those we love. Sincere sympathies. Anne Devitt"
"A kind and caring person who will truly be missedRaymond & Lynn Chapel"
"I am so sad to hear this! I remember him always telling me Dolly jokes as a kid! Always very kind!!"
"Gerald has been a good friend to my mom and me for a lot of years. Cookies and candy at Christmas, and his sweet consideration of others. A good man that will be missed."
"We are so sorry to hear thismy sons and I thought the world of this man he and his mother were so good to us when my boys were young he built my sons a red tool shed (barn ) for their tractors and toys to be stored he had such a big heart loved everyone and always wanted to make people happy will miss you ole neighbor RIH Gerald"
"I will miss you my sweet friend, thank you for always being there for me . Our weekly talks about the old Home Depot will always keep me laughing. You are truly dear to my . Love Tina Gines"