Robert McClane Richards

Bob, as he preferred to be called, was born July 29, 1935, the only son of Clessie (Jim) and Myrtle McClane Richards of Decatur, Il. He married Patricia Ann (Pat) Adams of Carbondale, Il on Dec 28, 1958, spending just shy of 66 years together.

Growing up in the 30s and 40s was a different time than it is now. Children would get up of a morning, meet friends, and spend the day and not go home until lunch or dinner time. Bob’s summer days were spent going to the park playing games like Hide and Seek, Cowboys and Indians with his friends after his chores were done.

His introduction to education was at the old Oak Grove School, Roosevelt Jr High, and Decatur High School. Following his graduation, he attended a semester at Millikin University. His grades were not the best (due to partying) so in December he dropped out. He joined the Air Force spending time in Texas and Louisiana before being sent to Alaska for 2 years where the air force placed him in a dental lab. But he loved Alaska!

When he got out of the service, he decided to go back to college and moved to Carbondale, Il to attend Southern Illinois University where he met his Pat! The story goes that he saw her at The Dairy where she worked and told a friend “That’s the girl I’m going to marry!” It worked! Daughter Pam was born in Carbondale, Il. Bob continued his education and graduated in August 1963 with a degree in elementary education. He began teaching in Decatur at William Harris Elementary 6th grade with a salary of $4950 a year. He loved teaching but the pay wasn’t great, so he worked part time at Purity Baking Co and the Decatur Parks district to supplement the income, as twins were expected at the Richards Home. Robert Steven and Elizabeth Ann soon joined the family.

Bob enjoyed golfing, bowling and especially camping and fishing with friends at Lake Shelbyville. He coached his daughter’s softball games and attended sport games with his children and never missed their band activities.

He retired from teaching in 1993 and following Pat’s retirement in 1999, they received news that a grandchild was due in Colorado. Pat told Bob that she was not living 1000 miles from grandchildren, so they moved to Colorado where they enjoyed seeing Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain every day. More importantly, they were able to spend time with grandchildren as two more soon arrived.

Bob spent 89 years being a fantastic son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Arlene Morris and Janet McDonald and his daughter Elizabeth Richards.

He is survived by his wife Pat, daughter Dr. Pamela Richards of Colorado Springs, Co; son Lt. Col. (retired) Robert Steven Richards, Perry Hall, Md; grandchildren Jason Randall, Jenna Randall and Hunter Preussner; brother-in-law Tommy Adams, Herrin, Il; sister-in-law Donna Adams, Carterville, Il; and many special nieces and nephews.

Bob’s wish was to be cremated, and his ashes interned at the Veteran’s Cemetery. A celebration of life will be planned for June when Bob’s family can all be present.

Bob was an avid reader. If you wish to honor him, please consider donating to the Security public library at https://www.securitypubliclibrary.org/ or by mail, 715 Aspen Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80911