Ted J. Richards, 65, of Fairmount, passed away unexpectedly Friday, January 13, 2017, due to complications from pneumonia. He was at Marion General Hospital with his family by his side.
He was born on July 9, 1951 in Marion, the son of the late Junior and Bernadine (Strausbaugh) Richards, and lived in Grant County his entire life. Ted graduated from Fairmount High School in 1969 and proudly served his country in the United States Army. In his 48 years in the manufacturing industry, he was a skilled journeyman earning certifications as an electrician, millwright and machine repairman. Throughout his career, he worked at Essex, Bell Packaging, and Dana, all of Marion, and most recently Chrysler ITP1 of Kokomo. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 313 and the Fairmount Masonic Lodge #635.
Ted loved spending time with his family and attending sporting events for his grandsons. He enjoyed gardening, traveling, and going to the casino. Known for being a jack of all trades, he owned and operated his own construction business where he was most remembered for his quality workmanship and honesty.
He is survived by his wife, Janna (Herniak) Richards, Fairmount; daughter, Mary Ann Parks (Keith), Tallahassee, FL; and sons T.J. Richards (Vicky), Indianapolis and Brian Richards (Anna), Fairmount; as well as 7 grandsons, Justin and Ryan Parks (Tallahassee, FL), Blake, Caleb and Dylan Richards (Indianapolis) and Mason and Lucas Richards (Fairmount). Additional survivors include 2 nephews, Brent (Tina) and Eric (Dawn) Parsons; a sister-in-law, Gina (Tom) Logan; 3 brother-in-laws, Errol Parsons and Steve (Nancy) and Dan Herniak; along with several nieces and great nieces and great nephews, and his beloved dog, Baxter.
In addition to his parents, preceding him in death was his sister, Nancy Parsons.
Arrangements are being handled by the Fairmount Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home, 415 S. Main Street, Fairmount, where the family will receive friends from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, January 16, 2017, with a Masonic Memorial Service at 8:00 p.m. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at the Fairmount Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2017, with Pastor Randy Murphy officiating. Interment will be in Park Cemetery, Fairmount, IN with military honors.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Fairmount Masonic Lodge or to Cornerstone Community Church in Alexandria, Indiana, in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.