Elmer Dennis Richars

1938 - 2025

Richars, Elmer Dennis

August 23, 1938 - March 1, 2025

Elmer Dennis Richars, born August 23, 1938, passed peacefully on March 1, 2025. He was a husband, father, mentor, and friend and will be remembered by many and missed dearly. Elmer was the youngest son of Elmer and Lucille Richars and younger brother of Robert Richars. Elmer married the love of his life, Emelia Heldmann, September 4th,1965. Together, they created a loving family and raised two sons, Kurt and Christopher Richars. Elmer had two loving daughters-in-law, Brooke and Ericka, and five wonderful grandchildren, Eric and Sarah to Kurt and Brooke, and Emily, Alex, and Luke to Chris and Ericka. After Attending the University of Missouri, his talent in writing and communication propelled him forward quickly. Leading to a position as the SW Bell Press Relations Manager for the White House press corps of the Lyndon Johnson administration. Elmer and Emelia later chose to return home to St Louis in 1968, where he began a successful 32-year career at Ralston Purina retiring in 2000 as the Vice President of Public Relations. Elmer had many passions in his life, including his career, home projects, Kappa Sigma, and Lake Tishomingo, but none more important than family and his pups. Elmer was a good man, arguably the best. He will be loved and missed every day for the rest of our lives. A life well lived!

Visitation will be at Kutis Affton (10151 Gravois Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123) on Wednesday, March 5, from 4-8 p.m. His funeral mass will be at St. Gabriel (6303 Nottingham Ave, 63109) on Thursday, March 6 at 10 a.m.