William “Bill” Raymond Richards, 54, of Columbus, died 5:13 a.m. Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Freeman West Hospital of Joplin, Mo.
Born September 22, 1966 in Appleton City, Mo. Bill was the son of Everett Eugene Richards and Ora “Nadine” (Hartman) Richards. He spent many years living in Oklahoma City, Okla. before settling in Columbus 29 years ago. He was a member of the Commercial Food Workers (CFW) Union and had most recently worked at the Butterball Plant in Carthage, Mo. until July of 2018. He greatly enjoyed sharing hobbies with his son, Adam, which included tinkering as amateur auto mechanics and grilling, smoking and barbecuing meats. In his later years, he took up the hobby of leatherworking.
Bill and Joanna Lynn (Hutto) Richards were united in marriage April 16, 1994 in Columbus. She survives.
In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by one son, Adam Coby Richards (wife, Ashley) of El Dorado Springs, Mo.; daughter, Dianna Srinath (husband, Balaji) of Shady Shores, Texas. His brother, Edward Richards of Appleton City, Mo.; sister, Mary Brownsberger of Clinton, Mo.; as well as nine grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and close cousins also survive.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Nadine; as well as two infant nephews, Adam and David Brownsberger.
A memorial visitation will be held at Center Christian Church from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, August 27 followed by a memorial service beginning at 2 p.m.
Cremation has been entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home of Columbus.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.