Robert H. "Bob" Richards

Robert H. “Bob” Richards, 87, of Evansville, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 8, 2022 at home with family by his side. He was born on January 1, 1935 in Salem, WV, son of the late Saul and Glenna “Brown” Richards. Bob graduated from Salem High School having lettered in football, basketball and baseball. He attended Salem College on a football scholarship. After graduation, he taught school and coached football. Fifty years later his players remembered him as “Coach could run faster backwards than we could forward.” Bob later worked in law enforcement and corrections for thirty years. His greatest accomplishments were helping establish the first Diagnostic Classification Unit in the State, the first K-9 Unit (completing the course with his K-9 Major while performing his duties as Associate Warden) and being instrumental in the establishment of the WV Corrections Training Academy serving as it first commandant. After retiring from Corrections with the rank of Colonel, he worked as a counselor for troubled youth and taught Criminal Justice at Salem College. He was a member of the WV Highlanders Bagpipe Band in 1970’s. He also enjoyed fishing, tying flies, hunting, cutting firewood and riding his 4-wheeler. Bob was Methodist by faith and served in the United States Navy. Bob was a good man who lived a full simple life. Words that best describe him are; “I lived a life that’s full, I’ve traveled each and every highway, but more, what’s more than this I did it my way.” Bob is survived by his wife of fifty years, Jo Clair; one daughter, Kara; one son, Sam and wife Cheryl; two granddaughters, six great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by one daughter, Shelly; one granddaughter, Brandy, and one daughter-in-law, Vonda. A special thanks to WV Caring staff, especially Amber, Vickie, Lynn, Rachel, and Dr. Stevens. A private service will be held at Bolyard Funeral Home with Pastor David Murray officiating. A private interment at Mount Zion Cemetery will follow. Online condolences can be made at www.bolyardfuneralhomewv.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be to a charity of your choice. Bolyard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Richards family.

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