Thelbert Dean Richards, of the Blair School House Community in Russell Springs, passed away Sunday, August 21, 2022, at the age of 89.
Thelbert was born November 30, 1932, in Russell Springs, Kentucky, the son of the late James Edward Richards and Beulah Coffey Richards. He was a long-time member of the Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church and a veteran of the United State Air Force, serving as an airplane mechanic in the Korean War. He enjoyed rebuilding cars and trucks, working at stock car races and playing Rook with friends and family. He was known for his infectious smile and whole-body laughs. He was a true blessing to know.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Helen Holt Richards; a son Mitchell (Tracy) Richards of Russell Springs, Kentucky; grandsons Alex (Jessica) Richards of Richmond, Kentucky, and Drew (Alysa) Richards of Russell Springs, Kentucky; great grandchildren Eli, Malachi, Tripp and Meredith Richards; a brother Carol Richards of Shepherdsville, Kentucky; niece Lisa Smith of Russell Springs, Kentucky; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Nila Richards (Wilson) Antle.
Funeral services are 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, with Brother Charles Edwards and Brother Bodie Emerson officiating.
Thelbert will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery following the service, with full military honors by the Russell County Honor Guard.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church.
Phillip Oakes, Barry Back, Larry Phelps, Orvis Grider, Robert Leach, Jackie Pyles, Ricky Egnew, and Jeff Hancock will serve as pallbearers.
Brent Snow, Michael Selby, Steven Pierce, Dale Smith, and Ricky Barnes will be honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Orvis Grider, 67 Glory Lane, Columbia, KY 42728 or Hospice of Lake Cumberland, 100 Parkway Drive, Somerset, KY 42503.
Funeral arrangements for Mr. Thelbert Dean Richards are entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.
