Robert McKain Richards Jr.

Colonel Robert “Bob” McKain Richards, Jr., United States Marine Corps Reserve (Retired), passed away peacefully at his home in Bonita, California, on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the age of 81, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s/Dementia.

Born on May 17, 1944, in Bennettsville, South Carolina, Bob was the eldest of five children, and the son of Colonel Robert “Mac” McKain Richards, United States Marine Corps, and Evelyn Stevenson Richards. Following in his father’s footsteps, he chose a life of service, one defined not by words, but by duty, discipline, and quiet strength.

Bob graduated from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in January 1967, beginning a long and distinguished career as a full-time Marine Corps Reserve Officer.

He served two tours in Vietnam as an Infantry Platoon Commander and Shore Party Platoon Commander. In the uncertainty of war, he was steady and resolute, planning and executing combat operations, helicopter assaults, resupply missions, and medical evacuations. He executed his duties with discipline and distinction, meeting every demand of combat with steadiness and resolve.

Throughout his career, Colonel Richards held numerous leadership roles of increasing responsibility. He served as Commanding Officer of a Reserve Tank Company, Executive Officer of a Reserve Ammunition Company, Assistant Operations Officer at the Marine Corps Engineer School, and Series Commander at Marine Corps Recruit Depot. As Training Officer for the 4th Marine Division (Reinforced) in New Orleans, he oversaw the readiness of more than 23,000 Marines.

His service continued at Landing Force Training Command, Pacific in Coronado, and at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps in Washington, D.C., where he advised senior leaders on Reserve affairs. At the Pentagon, he served as Staff Director to the Reserve Forces Policy Board, contributing to national defense readiness at the highest levels. His final assignment was at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California, where he served as Officer in Charge of the Reserve Support Unit, Combat Center Inspector, and Chairman of the Environmental Impact Review Board.

Colonel Richards’ decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal; Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” and Gold Star; Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation with Bronze Star; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Meritorious Unit Citation with Silver Star; and numerous additional U.S. and foreign honors.

Between periods of active service, Bob worked as a civil engineer with the South Carolina Department of Highways and Public Transportation, contributing to major infrastructure projects including the construction of portions of Interstate 20. Following his retirement from the Marine Corps, he continued to serve his country as a CBP Technician with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the San Ysidro Port of Entry from 1996 until his retirement in 2010.

He loved his family in the same quiet, steady way he lived his life. His grandchildren brought him particular joy; something as simple as time together meant everything to him.

Bob was, at heart, a simple man. He found quiet joy in a round of golf, a good book, or an evening spent watching his favorite movies - especially his favorites or an episode of The X-Files. He took great pride in his extensive DVD collection. He enjoyed reading, particularly military thrillers and novels by Stephen King, and later in life took up coin collecting. He had a quick wit, a dry sense of humor, and a way of saying just enough.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Kazumi Ebara Richards of Okinawa; his daughters, Yumi Richards and her husband Douglas Suiter of Bonita, California, and Jennifer Richards and Diana Richards of San Diego, California; and his grandchildren, Dahlia Richards Suiter (24) of Oakland, California, and Hana Richards Suiter (22) and Akira Richards Suiter (16), both of Bonita, California.

He is also survived by his siblings: Colonel William S. Richards, U.S. Army (Ret.) and his wife Sonia of Goose Creek, South Carolina; John G. Richards, V of Lexington, South Carolina; Nan Richards Gaddy and her husband Roger of Winnsboro, South Carolina; and Mary Richards Watson and her husband Johnny of Lugoff, South Carolina; along with five nieces, six great-nieces, and three great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

His sister shared that her big brother Bob was her hero, a caring and kind brother who always looked after her, someone she could always depend on. That quiet reliability stayed with him throughout his life.

In his final days Bob remained who he had always been: a devoted husband and protector of his family. Each night in bed he would reach for his wife, making sure she was there beside him. He always asked her if she was okay. Even as his strength faded his instinct was to care for her.

He passed peacefully at home surrounded by love, having been reminded in his final months each night before he went to sleep that he was safe and that he was loved. He was told, “Thank you for your service, and thank you for risking your life for us.”

He spent his life taking care of his wife and daughters with unwavering devotion. That was who he was.

His was a life of service, but more than that, one of quiet honor, steady love, and enduring presence. He will be deeply missed.

A funeral service with full military honors will be held at 11:15 am on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, LANE # 2, San Diego, CA 92122. Please arrive between 11:00 am – 11:10 am. The service will promptly begin at 11:15 am. The service will be approximately 30 minutes long, it will end at 11:45 am as another service will follow immediately after. We kindly ask that you arrive on time so you do not miss it. Enter the cemetery gates and take an immediate right, proceed to Lane # 2 (center lane) designated for guests. Please pull all the way forward and park in a single line, with each vehicle directly behind the one in front. (If you arrive more than 30 minutes early park outside of the administration building until that 30 min mark or you may be led to a different service using that lane.)

A Celebration of Life will follow at 5110 Glen Verde Drive, Bonita, California, 91902. Please call or text Yumi at (619) 721-7723 for questions. Thank you.