A memorial service and military honors burial was held Saturday, at Lakewood Funeral Home for Gary Mart Richards, 74, of Modesto. He died Tuesday, April 13, 2009 at Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson.
Born Jan. 11, 1935, Gary was a native of Malad, Idaho and had lived in Modesto since 2000. He served 20 years in the Air Force, which included a tour of duty in Korea during the Korean War. He retired at the rank of master sergeant in 1972. After eight years as a peace officer with the cities of Ceres, Hughson and Taft, Mr. Richards worked for over 20 years as a supervising electrician. He loved baseball and was an avid Dodgers fan.
He leaves behind his wife, Mary Elizabeth Richards of Modesto; three sons, Ron Richards of Sonora, Mike Richards of Modesto, and Doug Richards of Lodi; three stepchildren, Dean Williams of Yucaipa, and Susan Williams and Bruce Williams, both of Lancaster; two brothers, Robert Richards of La Crescenta and Larry Richards of Highland; two sisters, Ella Fowler of Modesto and Linda Pizzo of Arizona; and 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brother Mike and sisters Betty, Bonnie and Ruth.
Remembrances may be sent to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356.
-Ceres (Calif.) Courier /April 22, 2009
Born Jan. 11, 1935, Gary was a native of Malad, Idaho and had lived in Modesto since 2000. He served 20 years in the Air Force, which included a tour of duty in Korea during the Korean War. He retired at the rank of master sergeant in 1972. After eight years as a peace officer with the cities of Ceres, Hughson and Taft, Mr. Richards worked for over 20 years as a supervising electrician. He loved baseball and was an avid Dodgers fan.
He leaves behind his wife, Mary Elizabeth Richards of Modesto; three sons, Ron Richards of Sonora, Mike Richards of Modesto, and Doug Richards of Lodi; three stepchildren, Dean Williams of Yucaipa, and Susan Williams and Bruce Williams, both of Lancaster; two brothers, Robert Richards of La Crescenta and Larry Richards of Highland; two sisters, Ella Fowler of Modesto and Linda Pizzo of Arizona; and 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brother Mike and sisters Betty, Bonnie and Ruth.
Remembrances may be sent to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356.
-Ceres (Calif.) Courier /April 22, 2009
