Edward "Eddie" Lee Richards

Edward (Eddie) Lee Richards went to join his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on July 15, 2016. After a valiant battle with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, Eddie died peacefully in his sleep.

Eddie was born to the late Sylvester and Sadie Richards on July 31, 1932. After graduating from Saint Francis Academy, he joined the U. S. Navy in 1952 (Korean Conflict). Upon his Naval discharge Eddie began farming with his late brother, Robert, winning numerous awards and trips for outstanding soybean and corn yield. In 1974, Gov. Wendell Ford appointed him as Ambassador of Goodwill for Kentucky. Additionally, he developed land, built and managed real estate.

Eddie leaves a strong legacy of love and dedication to Jesus, penetrating the hearts of each member of his family. Eddie's first wife, Loretta went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 10, 1982. Together they had four surviving sons, Rick (Diane), Alan (Michelle), Jack (Janie), Scott (Linda) and two daughters, Lita Humphreys (Jeff) and Lori Leachman (Bill). These children have blessed Eddie and his surviving wife of 33 years, Linda with 19 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, with the 12th being born July 15, 2016. Eddie is also survived by a sister, JoAnn Vessels (Bob) and a brother, George (Nancy). He was predeceased by a sister, Mary Francis Yurt (Paul) and a brother, Robert (Bobby).

Eddie loved spending time with his family and constantly expressed how blessed he was to have his loving wife and expansive family. Eddie and Linda spent the majority of their married years in Atlanta, until their 2006 retirement and return to Owensboro. Atlanta provided an opportunity for the beginning of annual family vacation gathering and countless years of sweet memories of boats, beach, lakes, mountains, picnics, dining and a little whining; giving way in later years to destination weddings as the grandchildren began marrying.

Eddie had a well-worn response to his family asking how he was doing, "Got it made". He truly does now have it made. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord". II Corinthians 5:8. Eddie, Dad, Granddaddy and Great Granddaddy will be missed in the breaking of our family circle.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Thursday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory with family and friends celebrating Eddie's life by sharing stories, from 7:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. There will also be visitation beginning 9:00 A.M. until the time of service Friday, at Church Alive.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, July 22, 2016 at Church Alive, 325 Carter Road, Owensboro, Ky with Bro. Paul Gatewood officiating. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery with Bro. Sam Beeney, WKVC Chaplain, officiating.

The family wishes to express their profound gratitude for the loving and compassionate care given by the dedicated staff of the Grant Unit at the Western Kentucky Veterans Center, Hanson, KY.

Memorial contributions may be made to Western Kentucky Veterans Center – Grant Unit. Envelopes will be made available at the funeral home.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.glennfuneralhome.com