Robert "Bob" Eugene Richards

Robert “Bob” Eugene Richards, age 85, of Indianapolis, IN, died while fighting Co-vid on December 13, 2020. He was born January 13,1935 in Wawaka, IN, the son of Charles Eugene and Alberta Marie (Ramer) Richards.

Bob was an awesome handyman that cared about helping people and took great joy in lending a hand.  He was born and raised on a farm, and that prepared him for military service.  Bob served two years in the United States Army, one of which in Germany. After serving his country, Bob went on to work at Ligonier Cartridge Company and for the Indiana Toll Road Commission. He enjoyed living at Diamond Lake and was a member of The Ligonier United Methodist Church. Bob served his community as a member of The Ligonier Masonic Lodge for over fifty years, and was a 32nd degree member of The Scottish Rite.  He had the opportunity to drive children to The Shriners’ Hospitals in Chicago and Cincinnati as a volunteer and member of The Mizpah Shrine Temple.  Bob also filled his time serving as a Worthy Patron for Eastern Star.

Bob would always be ready to share a joke, a quote, or a recently cut out comic strip.  All were charmed by Bob’s greeting of “Cheers” with his thumb held high in the air. He enjoyed “playing with words,” but even more so he enjoyed the time spent playing card games with family or friends.

Upon retirement, Bob and his wife of 29 years, Gloria, would winter in Bonita Springs, Florida.  There, he started playing horseshoes and continued helping family and people in his community.  Bob and Gloria always had an open door for visitors and enjoyed taking bus trips, going to concerts, and long walks with their dogs.

Bob, The Man, The Myth, The Legend will forever be greatly missed by his family and friends!

He is survived by his brother, Ronald (Diana) Richards of Davis, IL; two nephews, Jeff (Deborah) Johnston of Elkhart, IN and Todd Richards (Shelly Fess) of Lake Geneva, WI; four stepdaughters, Diana Gann of Lebanon, OH, Michelle Herrli of South Bend, IN, Gayle Herrli (David Giles) of Indianapolis, IN, and Carolyn (Bob) Hoagland of Sewanee, TN. He also had four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife, Gloria, and his sister, Norma Lee Johnston.

Bob’s life will be honored on August 21, 2021 at 1:00 pm with a ceremony at Orange Township Cemetery near Rome City, IN. A celebration and luncheon at the Ligonier United Methodist Church to follow.