Adrian Richard's Obituary
Adrian Richard lived 78 long years and passed away at his home, on July 28, 2017, in Tacoma, Washington. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri, as the third child of Bethel Reed and the only child of Percy Richard. His birthday is on September 25, 1938.
He grew up in Osawatomie, KS where he graduated from Osawatomie High School in 1956. After high school, he attended Kansas Teachers College then joined the United States Army, where he served 20 years; which included two foreign deployments, one to Vietnam and the other to Panama. While in the Army he worked as a Light Wheel Mechanic and also became Airborne Qualified. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSG/E6). Along the way he earned the following medals and awards; Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Services Medal, Good Conduct Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army of Occupation Germany, Driver Mechanic Badge and a Parachutist Badge.
After retiring from the Army in 1979, he received several associate's degrees from both, Tacoma Community and L.H. Bates Technical Colleges; during which he began his second career and worked 20 more years at Boeing.
But Adrian Richard was not only about work. In his spare time, he created many memories with his family and friends by doing some of his favorite things like fishing, bowling, working on cars and taking care of all nine of his children. He will be remembered as a loving, giving, dependable, kind and strong man who fought till the end.
He is survived by his former wife Doris Perry, 7 sons: Elrid, Clarkston and Enos Richard, Gentry and Waylis White, Aaron and Damian Richard; 2 daughters, Ingrid York and Abeba Lamb; 28 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; brother Benjamin Smith; sister Marietta Brockman and a host of nieces, nephews and close friends.
He is predeceased by his mother Bethel Smith, and father Percy Richard; his sister Melrita Pickens, his aunt Ruth Wrench and uncle Robert Reed.
A Visitation will be held 4:00PM-7:00PM Sunday, August 6, 2017 at Mountain View Funeral Home.
Funeral Service will be 12:00 Noon Monday, August 7, 2017 in the Celebration of Life Center, Aspen Chapel on the grounds of Mountain View Funeral Home & Memorial Park. Interment to immediately follow.
Please share your memories of Adrian and condolences to the family by visiting the tribute wall.
What’s your fondest memory of Adrian?
What’s a lesson you learned from Adrian?
Share a story where Adrian's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Adrian you’ll never forget.
How did Adrian make you smile?
