Max Richards

Max Richards, age 90, passed away on February 27, 2025. He was born in Wewoka, Oklahoma, and resided in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Max earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Oklahoma and then his Master of Science in Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. He was a member of the Gamma Phi Chapter of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He was a lifetime member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. Max served 20 years in the United States Army attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was Airborne qualified. During this time, he was stationed in Europe, Vietnam and Korea. He received two Army Commendation Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals and two Bronze Stars. Upon retiring from the Army, Max moved to Louisiana and held several engineering positions. He was an avid tennis player and loved making memories with his wife, five children, ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Max is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Pat Richards; sons, Ken Richards (Beth) and Tim Richards (Tonda); daughters, Jill Richards Kalimeris (Andreas), Becky Richards Hearn (Darrel) and Meg Richards Gerald (Don); grandchildren, Tanner Richards (Taylor), Reeves Richards (Maritza), Tarin Richards Worrest (Alan), Tyler Richards, Tessa Richards, Walsh Hearn (Sarah), Will Hearn, Megan Hearn Rhyne (Matt), Rainey Gerald and Fallon Gerald Tullier (Devin); and eight great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William Elmer Richards and Polly Verona Sams Richards; sister, Jacqueline Richards Pagan; brother-in-law, Roy Pagan; father-in-law, Allen Walsh; and mother-in-law, Louise Walsh.

A visitation will be held on April 4, 2025 at Broadmoor United Methodist Church from 9-11AM; with a funeral service beginning at 11AM. Inurnment will follow at Louisiana National Cemetery at 2PM. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Joseph’s Academy in Baton Rouge.