Sanford D. Richards, 85, of rural Walker, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009, at St. John’s Hospital in Joplin, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Sanford was born on Aug. 7, 1924, in El Dorado Springs to Julian Richards and Lela Mae Allison.
In 1943, after graduating from El Dorado Springs High School, Sanford married Wilma Nell Moore and joined the United States Navy. They were first based in Seattle, WA. Wilma Nell preceded him in death on Oct. 14, 1963. He later married Dorothy Miller, who preceded him in death in August 2000.
After returning from military service, Sanford bought his grandfather’s farm, which was called Ferndale Farm, where he resided until his death. Sanford worked for Joe Pohl Construction and later did custom bulldozing in the Vernon County area.
Sanford was a World War II Veteran; 50 year member of the Walker Masonic Lodge and a member of the Dederick Christian Church, where he served as an Elder and Board Member for numerous years.
Survivors include: son, Randall Richards, and wife, Diana Charles Richards - Chillicothe, IL, their sons Tyson and Travis Richards; son, Ronald Richards, and wife, Pamela Schoneweather Richards - Joplin, their children, Ronald Richards Jr., Shannon Richards Martin and Rian Richards Irwin, and stepchildren, Michelle Wiedenmann, Melinda Morgan, Melissa Wise and Meredith Anstine; son, Terry Richards - Nevada, his children Raul Richards, Johanna Richards, Brooke Foster and Rori Richards; daughter, Joy Richards Eason, and husband, Roger - Harwood, their children, Michelle McKinney Sanderson, Miranda McKinney, Marci Eason Brake and stepchildren, Brian Eason, Amy Jacobs, Amber and Amanda Eason; stepson, Kenneth Farris - Warsaw, his children, Doug, Scott and Shawn Farris and Pamela Ismert; his brother, J.D. Richards, and wife, Willie - Lubbock, TX, his sister, Carmen Dale - Springfield; 17 great-grandchildren; several step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Sanford was a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend. The greatest man we ever knew.
The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. Services will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16, in Bland-Hackleman Chapel with Josh Frakes officiating. Interment will follow in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.
Pallbearers are - Ronny Richards, Tyson Richards, Travis Richards, Paul Richards, Scott Farris and Shawn Farris. Honorary pallbearers are - Doug Sanderson, Scot Irwin, Tim Blake, Lee Martin and Doug Farris.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dederick Christian Church Building Fund in memory of Sanford Richards.
