Richards, John Marshall

RICHARDS, LENIG

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/14/2005 at 20:46:17

Funeral services for John Marshall Richards, 81, of Knoxville, who died on Monday, November 27, 2000, at the VA Medical Center in Des Moines, were held on Thursday, November 30, at Williams Funeral Home. Rev. Max Johnson officiated at the services. Music was provided by Irene Davidson, vocalist and Darlene Mooberry, organist.

Interment was at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville. Military honors were accorded by Highland Park American Legion Post #374 of Des Moines. Casket bearers were Eric Davidson, Gary Mason, Jim Marker, Larry Marker, Mike Richards, Vernon Richards, and Eric Sellers.

John was born on December 23, 1918, in Lucas County, the son of Fannie Lenig and
Elmer Richards. He grew up in Belinda helping his father and brothers farm.

He was called to active duty with the 34th Division of the U.S. Army in February of 1941. He served until August of 1944 when he was given a disability discharge. He saw foreign duty in North Ireland, Scotland, Algeria, Tunisia and Italy. He lost his right arm in Sicily in 1944. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Infantry Rifle Combat Badge with a Bronze Star.

John was employed by the Federal Government in Des Moines before working as an American Legion Representative at the VA Medical Center in Des Moines. He also owned and managed apartments in Des Moines. He returned to farming in Marion and Lucas counties until 1990 when he moved to Knoxville.

He was a member of the American Legion for over 50 years with a life membership. He was past Commander and Past District Commander, the Forty and Eight. He was a 50 year member of the VFW, life member of the DAV and the Marion County Farm Bureau.

John was preceded in death by his parents; six sisters, Gertrude Richards, Dorothy Shounkwiler, Frances Oxenreider, Jeanetta McCarty, Helen Pierschbacher and Nellie Calcote; and two brothers, Clinton and Cecil Richards.

He is survived by one brother, James Arthur Richards of Chariton; two sisters, Beulah Walker and Mildred Mason of Knoxville; as well as many other nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to Iowa World War II Memorial.

Arrangements were made by Williams Funeral Home.

Knoxville Journal Express, December 5, 2000