Paul Arthur Richards

Born to Earl & Mary (Fogel) Richards on February 2, 1948 in Kendallville, Indiana. Paul grew up in a big family of 7. He spent his youth milking cows, farming, and normal youth shenanigans. He graduated from Prairie Heights and served in the Army for a time. He attended Tri-State University and loved to read and gain knowledge.

He married Karen (Alexander) Richards on August 9, 1969. They welcomed their only child Tracey in 1970. As a family, they enjoyed camping, reading, and trivia hosted by the well-read Paul every night at the dinner table. They always had animals, Paul especially loved Schnauzers.

Paul was a woodworker. He made his granddaughters cradle before their birth, a doll cradle for Tracey as a child, and numerous pieces of furniture and gifts for family. They will be cherished for future generations to come. He worked for his brothers Don & Lee in Richards’ Construction helping to build beautiful homes, even building a home for him and Karen. Later for DuBois Chemical Company where he earned trips for sales. He also worked for his dear friend, Jim Bodigon in retirement.

The family would like to thank all of the caregivers and people who helped to ease his suffering as he fought a valiant fight of illness at the end. Special thanks to his sister Patty and her hubby Terry for the heavy load they carried at the end.

He is survived by his daughter Tracey (Bill) Zimmerman of Angola. Her children, his grandchildren Katie (Ryan) Ball, Kourtney (Sean) Hanley, Gus (Amber) Zimmerman, and Stephanie Zimmerman. Two great-grandsons, Jensen Dean Zimmerman and his brother Reece Brooks Zimmerman due in March. His siblings, Caroline Henney, Jim (Harvena) Richards, Don (Alice) Richards, Mary Jane (Bill) Lamm, Patty (Terry) Swick, and Lee (Theresa) Richards. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11 am Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Lake View Cemetery, Kendallville, Indiana, a gathering will follow at the Church his daughter pastor’s, Nevada Mills Community Church. Memorials may be made to Nevada Mills Community Church, P.O. Box 216, Orland, Indiana 46776, or Noble County Human Society, 1305 Sherman Street, Kendallville, Indiana 46755.