Lester Donald Richard, 95, passed away Friday, January 14, 2022 at Baptist Health Floyd. The son of the late Okey James and Edna Carlotta Pepper Richard, Les was born September 15, 1926 in Munday, West Virginia. A U.S. Navy veteran, Les graduated from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia and earned an MBA from the University of Kentucky. He worked in sales for most of his business career before starting Richard Hood and Duct Cleaning, from which he retired. He was a member of St John Paul II Catholic Church and Cardinal Ritter Council of the Knights of Columbus. An avid golfer into his early 90s, he also enjoyed playing bridge and poker. Football was his favorite sport, particularly Notre Dame football. Above all else, the devout Catholic and ardent follower of Jesus Christ was a devoted family man who relished being surrounded by family members, especially at holidays. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Louise DeWeese, and brothers, Arlis (Karen) and Denzil Richard.
Les is survived by his wife of 70 years, Elvira S. Nicastro Richard; children, L. Jerome Richard (Anita), Teresa Richard, David G. Richard (Donna), and Dr. Andrew G. Richard (Jerri); grandchildren, Brandon (Jessica) and Adam Richard, Nicholas (Anna) and Jacqueline Richard, and Parker, Rachel, and Noah Richard; great grandchildren, Brooks and Grey Richard; sister, Lyla Kopshina; and sister-in-law, Bernice Nicastro.
Visitation will be held from 3 pm ~ 8 pm Thursday, January 20 at Kraft Funeral Service, 708 E. Spring Street, New Albany, Indiana. Following a 1:30 pm Rosary on Friday, January 21 at St. John Paul II Catholic Church, Les’ Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 3 pm at the church with private burial in St. Joe Hill Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eternal Word Television Network Mass on the Air www.ewtn.com or Mt. Saint Francis, 101 St. Anthony Drive, Mt. St. Francis, Indiana 47146.
You may share fond memories or offer condolences to the Richard family by visiting www.kraftfuneralservice.net.
