Richards II, Rancis E. "Sonny"

RICHARDS, SPEARS, MIELKEY, COOK, MANSFIELD

Posted By: Ruth Maring - VOLUNTEER
Date: 10/9/2009 at 09:42:34

Richards II, Rancis E. "Sonny" View/Sign Guest Book

GOOSE LAKE — Francis "Sonny" E. Richards II, 66, of Goose Lake, died Saturday, September 26, 2009, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf with family by his side. The Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. At Sonny's request, there will be no services. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 10, 2009, at the Goose Lake Community Center from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The family hopes that all who knew him will come and share their stories and love for him. Francis "Sonny" Richards II was born on July 28, 1943, in Welch, West Virginia, the son of Francis E. and Juanita (Spears) Richards. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1961 where he was involved in track. After graduating, he attended UNI for two years before deciding to enlist in the United Sates Air Force. He served our country until 1967 as a security policeman stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. While in service, he earned several awards including the Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon. He enjoyed his time spent there, especially going moose hunting. He then worked various jobs in California before joining Toys R Us. He worked for them for 22 years as a warehouse manager. He was responsible for opening markets in San Jose, California, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Charlotte, North Carolina. He moved to Goose Lake in 2007 to be closer to his family and to get reaquainted with them. Sonny enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. He was happiest when he was surrounded by friends and animals. Sonny loved sports especially football, track, basketball and tennis. He intently followed all the sporting events at the Northeast School District. When he wasn't watching sports, he was watching the Food Channel to find new recipes. He is survived by his stepmother, Shirley Richards of Clinton, Iowa; two brothers, David (Kathy) Richards of Goose Lake, Iowa, and Robert (Lara) Richards of Donahue, Iowa; sister, Carol (Bud) Mielkey of Clinton, Iowa; stepson, David (Amy) Cook of Sacramento, California; stepdaughter, Shawna Mansfield of San Jose, California; two stepgrandchildren, Skyler and Cade; seven nieces; one great-nephew; and two great-nieces; and special friends, Rod Templeton and Denise Witt of Goose Lake, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting his obituary at www.snellzornig.com.Death date: Sept. 26, 2009#
Published in the Clinton Herald from 10/7/2009 - 10/9/2009