Larry "Chip" Lee Richards

Larry “Chip” Lee Richards, of Hayes Center, NE, passed away surrounded by family on September 17, 2024, at the age of 62, in Grand Island, NE.

Chip was born to parents Laryl L. and Mary Ann (Soncksen) Richards on July 3, 1962. He grew up in Hayes Center with his four sisters on the family farm.

Chip married Starla Messersmith on June 4, 1984, in Oberlin, KS. To this union four children were born. In addition to his lifelong endeavor with farming and ranching, Chip also spent time trucking. He served as a board member for the local COOP and as a deacon in his church. He was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church throughout his life where he also taught Sunday School. He enjoyed hunting, riding motorcycles and spending time with his family. 

Those left to celebrate Chip’s life are his wife of 40 years, Starla Richards, of Hayes Center, NE; his children, Kip (Andrea) Richards of Hayes Center, NE, Buck (Heather) Richards of Wellfleet, NE, Tanner (Skylar) Hill of Mason City, NE and Weston (Derek) Crawford of Baldwin City, KS; grandchildren, Keenan, Hayley, and Sadie Richards, Ryder, Tucker, and River Richards, and MaryAnn and Chloe Hill; as well as sisters, Marilyn (Jimmie) Howard, Cynthia (Merle) Dake, Theresa (Don) Wymore and JoLynne (Mike) Ruppert; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Chip is preceded in death by his parents, Laryl and Mary Ann Richards; father-in-law, Deloit Lee Messersmith; and nephews, Ira Lee Howard, Joshua Keenan Howard and Chance James Ruppert.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Hayes County Volunteer Fire Department, 411 Tate Street, Hayes Center, NE 69032.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook.

A Funeral Service will be on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Bethel Baptist Church in Hayes Center, NE with Leonard LaHair officiating.

Burial will follow the service at the Hayes Center Cemetery. 

The family invites everyone to join them at the American Legion Hall after the services for a luncheon.