Donald Duane Richins, Jr

Donald Duane Richins Jr., 63, passed away at home in Mesa, Arizona, on May 11, 2025, surrounded over several days by his wife, children and their spouses, grandchildren, mother, and other beloved family members.

He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 42 years, Laura Jo Richins; his five children-Scott (Niki), Tricia DeSouza (Cal), Staci, Jen, and Samantha Clark (Weston); and his six cherished grandchildren: Lincoln, Coleman, Everett, Allison, Aaron, and Percy. He is also survived by his mother, Belva Camille Cox Richins; his seven siblings-Lisa, LuAnn, Steve, Mike, Kristen, Shelley, and Kevin-as well as many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Don was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona, and attended Edison Elementary, Kino Junior High, and Westwood High School. During his childhood, he lived for three years in Tonga, where his father went to teach. He had many fond memories of his time there and spoke of it often.

Don served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New York City, Greek-speaking, from 1980 to 1982. After returning home, he met his sweetheart, Laura Jo, and they were married on December 17, 1982. Together, they raised five awesome children.

Don loved watching sports with anyone willing to join him-usually his wife or daughter, Jen, or attending a Spring Training game with Jen and Staci. He also found joy in gardening for many years. And, of course, his most joyful time was spending time with his family.

As a young married couple, Don and Laura Jo owned and grew a landscape maintenance business, starting with a few residential clients and expanding into commercial and apartment buildings and eventually sold it. He later transitioned into facilities management, working for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Johnson Controls, Intel, and Arizona State University. His eye for detail and natural organization made him a skilled and trusted project manager.

Throughout his life, Don served in many church callings, but most notably in the Boy Scouts-particularly the Varsity Scout program-where he mentored and worked with the young men.

Don was a generous man, freely giving of both his time and resources to help others. He quietly showed up for people-whether through service, support, or a well-timed act of kindness. He set a great example of this to his wife and his children.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all who have shared their love and support during this time.

Services will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3920 E Brown Rd, Mesa, AZ 85205 for all those who wish to celebrate his wonderful life.

Visitation: 9:30 am – 10:45 am

Services: 11:00 am PDT

Services can be viewed at the following Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/92901260062

Watson's Flowers is handling flowers for the family.

Family have set up a GoFundMe to help Don's wife pay off medical bills: https://gofund.me/e8cb56ac