Russell Richards

Published 12:00 am Thursday, July 8, 2010

Rusty Richards left his earthly home bound for heaven, on Friday July 2,
2010, surrounded by his loving family.

Rusty was born in Alexandria in 1955 and grew up in Leesville, starting school in the first grade and graduating from Leesville High School in 1973. He remained friends with many
classmates for years. After graduation, he began a career in the construction industry, completing commercial projects in 11 southern states over the course of 30 years.

Rusty married Debra George on July 5, 1975 and they
lived in Leesville for several years before employment moved his family all over the southern United States. He made friends easily and was loved and respected by many. They moved to East Texas in 2004 and planned to retire, close to family. He
retired in 2008 after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Rusty lived life to the fullest for 54 years.

He was preceded in death by his younger sister Tammy, his mother Mary Stegall Gilbert, and an infant son.

Rusty is survived by Debra, his wife; son Hank Richards; daughters Jessica and Tammie Richards; and granddaughter Scarlett. He will also be sorely missed by his brothers Rickey Richards and David Colon; his aunts, Billie Cohen of Leesville and
Betty (Gary) Foster of Alexandria; nephew, Jeramy (Jolie) Richards of Merryville; and numerous cousins and nephews.

Rusty and Debra were happily married for 35 years and he considered her family his own. Surviving him are Dan
and Marilyn George of Jacksonville, Texas, Denise Anderson, Diane (Mac) McSwain, Dina Higgins and their children. They all loved Rusty immeasurably and he loved them unconditionally.

There will be a memorial service on
Saturday July 10 at 2 p.m. at Boren-Conner Funeral Home, 750 South Jackson St, Jacksonville, Texas 75766. Friends and family are encouraged to come and celebrate the life of this wonderful man.

Memorials may be made to Hospice
of East Texas.