John I Richards Jr.

John was born December 25, 1930, in Gary, Indiana, to John Ivor Richards Sr. and Ester M. (Ogle) Richards. He graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1950, where he swam as a diver and ran track and cross country, and went on to study at Indiana University.

He served in the US Naval Reserve and then in the US Air Force during the Korean War, where he worked as an R-3350 engine specialist and in the control tower, served on the crash and rescue crew, and boxed for the Sioux City Air Force Base team.

On October 12, 1952, in Sioux City, Iowa, John married Sharon Blendina Scofield. They had five children and were married until her death in 2005. In his later years, John shared his life with his partner, Dorothy Hays.

John worked at US Steel from 1950 to 1986 in Production Planning, the 80-inch Hot Strip Mill, and the Tin Mill Warehouse. In 1962 he founded Richards Pool Service, Inc., and for 50 years he was a pioneer in installing above-ground swimming pools. The first year he installed 9 pools, the next year 18, and soon more than 100. Many of his employees went on to start their own pool businesses. Today his sons install hundreds of pools every year, and many of his grandchildren, sons-in-law, and daughters-in-law have worked in the family business.

John loved his family and his community. He coached Biddy Basketball for six years, including as head coach of the Indiana team at the All-World Tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and coached Pop Warner football for 12 years. He enjoyed golf.

A man of deep faith, John gave all his success and credit to the Lord Jesus Christ, who he said guided his life with wisdom, strength, health, and long life.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; his sons, Robert (Kathryn) Richards and Thomas (Donna) Richards; his parents; his brother, Ralph; and his sister, Faith, who died at the age of three.

He is survived by his children, Debra Cretton and Denny Zawodni; David Richards and Daphne Duck; and John "Jamie" Richards III and wife Edie; daughters-in-law Kathryn and Donna; 15 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Details of a celebration of life will be shared by the family at a later date.