Homer Lee Richards

Homer Lee Richards, 85, of Murphysboro, passed away peacefully at his home Saturday morning, June 3, 2017. Homer was born March 24, 1932, in Murphysboro, to Thomas and Camilla (Schmellmyer) Richards. Homer proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Higbee during the Korean Conflict. Homer married Ruth Ann Bitner on April 7, 1956, in Murphysboro and she survives. He worked for the City of Murphysboro Water and Sewer department until his retirement in 1981. After retirement, he spent many years visiting with friends, picking up his grandchildren from school, and fixing suppers for his family. In addition, Homer was an avid fisherman and gardener, which he did often until his health declined. He then spent many years going to St. Joseph Cardiac Rehab. The staff and he became so close, that they also became part of his extended family. Mr. Richards was an active member of Pate Chapel Baptist Church, where he served the Lord as a Deacon. He was also a member of The Gideons International. He thoroughly enjoyed serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through various ministries. Homer was a true servant of God, believing in the power and strength of Jesus Christ's love and the beauty and peace that would await him after his passing. He made sure that everyone he came in contact with got to hear the word of God. He sewed many seeds and many people came to know Jesus as their personal Savior due to Homer's ministry. He loved his family dearly and always involved himself in every detail of their lives. His favorite times included family dinners at his son's house, where the entire family would gather. Not only was Homer blessed with a loving family, he was also fortunate to have a wonderful church family, caring extended family, and a wealth of dear friends. Homer leaves his beloved wife Ruth Ann of sixty-one years of marriage, along with his son Robert and his wife Sandy Richards of Murphysboro; three grandchildren Kerry (Matthew) Falkenburry, Aaron (Brooke) Richards, and Cassie (Kyle) Morgan; seven great grandchildren Madison, William, and Cole Falkenburry, Kaiden and Kanton Richards, Layla and Grayson Morgan; two sisters Shirley (Marvin) Oetjen and Elsie (Thomas) DeVardo; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Thomas and Robert Richards, and two sisters Beulah Ferguson and Ruby Fenton. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 8, 2017, at Pate Chapel Church with Rev. James Easton and Rev. John Pitchford officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park with military services conducted by the Paul Stout American Legion Post # 127. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Memorials donations can be made to the The Gideons International to help continue to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ or to Pate Chapel Church. For more information, please visit www.pettettfuneralhome.com.

Homer Lee Richards

March 24, 1932 - June 3, 2017