Wilbur F. Richards

Wilbur F. Richards

October 2, 1918 - October 4, 2012

An incredible journey - a wonderful man.

Wilbur was born and raised in southern Indiana. He was the oldest of eight children; Floyd (LaDonna), Harold (Vivian), Edsel (Lillian), Brooks (Edith), Dallas (Jane), Estel and their amazing sister, Barbara Huffman (Don).

He, with the assistance of his teacher, left for Central Normal College in Danville, IN. He had 25 cents in his pocket, worked several jobs for tuition, etc., and graduated with honors; later receiving advanced degrees from Indiana and Butler.

As an educator and basketball coach in southern Indiana, he became a person who students, athletes, parents and colleagues could trust and respect. He had several undefeated teams and coached his brothers which he often loved to talk about. Those qualities remained a constant throughout his life.

Later, he became principal at Mooresville High School, math teacher at North Central and Guidance Director at North Central retiring in 1982 after 43 years of service. He had extensive leadership positions in several wonderful organizations, but especially the Lions Club and their work with the visually impaired as he himself was legally blind. Additionally, his religious values were especially significant in his life as a member of Union Chapel Methodist Church.

A man whose life represented those values and qualities during World War II he severed as a Captain in the U.S. Army for four years in Europe. He was very proud of his service and after returning home, he became a 33 degree Mason, a Shriner, and a member of many other service organizations.

Wilbur and Doris LaDuke married in 1942 and celebrated 69 years of a loving relationship last November. It seemed that each day was a gift for them and their love grew as each day passed. Two sons were fortunate to have been born to them, Dave (Georjean) and Bruce (Brenda). A grandson, Todd (Nikki), the son of Dave and Paulette (deceased) was their pride and joy. Kandee Cole (Scott) and her son Christopher have become special additions to our family as well.

Our Dad will be missed dearly, but his presence and our memories will live within us. "Until we meet again".

Friends may call on Sunday, October 7, 2012 beginning at 2:00 p.m., with a masonic service at 7:00 p.m., with visitation concluding at 8:00 p.m. in Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel . Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 8, 2012 at the Union Chapel Methodist Church, with burial at Rosehill Cemetery in Elizabeth, IN.

You may visit http://www.leppertmortuary.com where you are invited to share a memory with the family, sign the guest book, or in lieu of flowers, make a memorial contribution to the Scholarship Fund of Union Chapel Methodist Church 2720 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240.