Ernst Richard

Ernst Edward "Ed" Richard III On Saturday, September 7, 2013, Ernst Edward "Ed" Richard III, 88, completed his mission on earth and returned to his Creator from Augusta Nursing and Rehab, in Fishersville, Virginia. He was born on February 2, 1925, in Rochester, New York, and grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and Olean, New York. After the attack on Pearl Harbor he tried to join the Royal Canadian Air Force when he was 16. His dad hauled him home and at 17 he joined the United States Navy and served in the Pacific during World War II. He then switched to the United States Army and served as an MP in Europe and Korea, where he contracted TB and retired from the military. After college he worked for the government, became the Director of Administrative Services at the Navy Department, and retired after 30 years of combined military and government service. Ed was also a professional model train painter with his work displayed at railroad museums. An avid student of history and politics he had an extensive collection of memorabilia and a large and varied library. He belonged to the American Legion and Model Railroaders. He enjoyed family gatherings, dinner with friends, and Tuesday breakfasts with his brother ROMEOS, Retired Old Men Eating Out. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Edward Karl Richard and Lois Smith Richard; and his sister, Suzanne Richard. Known variously as Ed, Eddie, Dear Ol'Dad, Pop, Papa, and Grandpa, he has left a hollow in our hearts filled with loving memories from his wife, Jean McGough Richard; his sister, Jane Richard; his daughter, Mary Richard; his four stepchildren and their spouses, Lori McDonagh and Mike; Paula Bolt and Jeff; Mark Herberger and Carella; and Bruce Herberger and DeAnn; his 14 grandchildren; and his soon-to-be seven great-grandchildren. Over the years he answered to other monikers --most of them friendly -- Hey you paperboy, Sarge, Ernie, Big Ed, the Boss, and of course Honey. All of these fellows are sorely missed. A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Friday, September 20, 2013, at the American Legion, 13 Eastside Highway, Waynesboro. The Cremation Society of Virginia is handling the arrangements.



This obituary was originally published in the News Virginian.