Harold Lee Richards, Jr

Harold Lee Richards, Jr. age 83, passed away Thursday, September 19, 2013 at his residence near Hayes Center, NE one day shy of his 84th birthday.

Harold, the oldest son of Harold L. and Mae (Lyons) Richards was born September 20, 1929 on the family homestead in Hayes County. He graduated from Hayes County High School in 1947.

Harold married Delores Y. McKillip on July 27, 1949 in Hayes Center. To this union four children were born: Sherry, Terry, Barry and Kerry. Harold served in the U.S. Army from January 1953 to January of 1955 and returned to Hayes County where they created a successful farming and ranching operation that continues to this day.

Harold was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church and the American Legion. He was an avid cribbage and pitch player spending many afternoons with his friends playing and solving the problems of the world. He will be remembered for his gift of finding the humor in every situation. He took an active role in promoting the plight of the American farmer by joining the American Agriculture Movement with the highlight being the 1979 Tractorcade to Washington D.C. and the following rally on the Mall. Harold took joy in annual family vacations visiting most of the lower forty eight states as well as Canada and Mexico while calling on old army buddies along the way. He enjoyed watching and supporting his children and grandchildren's endeavors. Harold took delight in putting the "family" in family farm.

Survivors include his wife Delores of 64 years, of Hayes Center; children, Sherry Purvis and husband, Don of Kearney, NE, Terry Richards and wife, Diane, Barry Richards and wife, Marian, all of Hayes Center, and Kerry Thompson and husband, Tom all of Kearney; brother, Laryl Richards of Trenton, NE; sister, Karen Scott of McCook, NE; grandchildren, Darcie (Luke) Weiss, Danielle (Jayson) Eggleston, Derek (Alicia) Richards, Zac(Sara) Richards, Beau Richards, Joelle (Tyler) Scherr and Ryan Thompson; great-grandchildren, Michael, Makenzie, Colton, Colbie, Addison, Harper, Aubree, Adrianna and Jaxton; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Daryl Dean; and his sister, Sharron.

The family will receive visitors Sunday, September 22, 2013 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook.

Funeral services will be Monday, September 23, 2013, 10:00 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church in Hayes Center with Pastor Luke Wolford officiating. Burial will be in the Hayes Center Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in his name to Community Healthcare and Hospice in McCook or Bethel Baptist Church of Hayes Center.