Ronald H. Richards

Ronald Hughes Richards, 69, left this earth to be with his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, at Desert Valley Hospital in Victorville, California with his wife, Shelia, by his side. Ron was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, to William J. “Bunny” and Margaret (Hughes) Richards. While growing up in Lincoln, he spent his childhood at Hillcrest Country Club where his father, Bunny Richards, was the longtime golf pro. Ron graduated from Southeast High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1965. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, with the 101st Airborne Division. Ron was honored to serve his country and proud to be a Screaming Eagle. Ron was honorably discharged from the Army in 1967. Following his tour of duty in the U.S. Army, Ron went to college and graduated from the University of Kearney with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He also earned a Master’s degree from the University Nebraska at Omaha. In 1971, Ron began his first career as a high school English teacher at Millard High School in Millard, Nebraska. Ron changed professions in 1977 and started working for the Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha, Nebraska. His career with Union Pacific Railroad led him to California in 1984 with his son, Kenny. In 1985, he found his true calling as a Farmers Insurance Agent. Ron loved being an insurance agent and strived to always provide the highest quality service to all of his clients. Needless to say, growing up at Hillcrest Country Club encouraged Ron to develop a great love for the game of golf. He learned not only how to play golf from his dad, Bunny Richards, he learned how to conduct himself like a gentleman on and off the course. Ron competed in many junior golf tournaments, City and State tournaments and won several big events during the 1960’s & 1970’s. He continued playing golf most of his life winning a few club championships in the 80’s and early 90’s. His health started failing later in life which ended his golfing days sooner than he wished, but his love for the game will never end. Ron loved the great State of Nebraska. While living in Nebraska he enjoyed the great outdoors. He was an avid pheasant hunter, he loved to go fishing, and for many years was an avid runner. Ron was also a huge Nebraska Cornhuskers football fan. He could recite scores and statistics like a human encyclopedia. His memory of every score, the players’ names, and the details of the games throughout the years was simply amazing. Ronald Hughes Richards is survived by his wife, Shelia (Ransome) Richards; two children, Ken (Michele) Richards and Wendy (Joe) Schuman; three step children, Mercedes Phipps, Ramon Warren, and Lalita Winston, five grandchildren: Justin Johnson, Ryan Johnson, Mickena Richards, Shelia Suchil, Leontay Stone; Brother, Roger Richards; Sister, Nancy (John) Cannon. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, William J “Bunny” Richards and Margaret Richards. Ron always strived to be an honest and ethical man. He tried hard to always do “the right thing”. Ron also knew he wasn’t perfect and had his faults, which is why he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. There is no doubt when Ron Richards turned in his final scorecard to Jesus Christ it was the best score of his life.