Gary Lee Richards, age 74, of Casey, IL passed away at 9:40 p.m. EST on Sunday, August 22, 2021, at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, IN. He was born on April 30, 1947 in Freeport, IL the son of Roger Roy Richards and Leola Biggs Richards. On June 17, 1972 he married Diana Lynn Weaver in Casey, IL.
Survivors include his loving wife of 49 years, Diana Richards of Casey, IL; children, Michael Richards (Jamie) of Casey, IL, Wesley Richards (Katie) of Charleston, IL and Joey Fuller (Mike) of Casey, IL; brothers, Dan Richards (Kathy) of Tuscon, AZ , Jim Richards (Pat) of Westfield, IN, Jerald Richards (Amber) of Casey, IL and Randy Richards of Casey, IL; sisters, Patty Richards of Casey, IL, Cathy Kilzer of Casey, IL and Susan Elkins (Scott) of Casey, IL; grandchildren, Mickenzie Thompson, Kaitlyn Richards, Jud Richards, Noah Hosselton, Maura Hosselton, William Hosselton, Audrey Hosselton, Mitchell Fuller, Colton Fuller, Connor Fuller, Luke Richards, Ryan Richards, Ava Goble and Allie Goble; great grandchildren, Silas, Ramsey, Thomas, Nora Jean and Ellsie Jane; several cousins, nieces and nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Gary was a 1965 graduate of Casey High School. In 1976 Gary and Diane opened Richards Farm Restaurant in Casey, IL at his childhood farm. Gary and Diane also opened Mogger’s Restaurant & Pub in 1996 and Stables Steakhouse in 1998 both located in Terre Haute, IN. Gary never met a stranger and he made a friend from anyone he met. He had a mind for business; he and Diane owned and operated many businesses over the years. Gary loved landscaping, gardening and building and maintaining the restaurants’ legacies for his family. He enjoyed walking in his yard, relaxing in his summer-house, and drinking coffee each morning with Diane as they watched the birds outside their living room window. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Gary was an artistic genius and the design of both the exteriors and interiors of his restaurants is proof of that. He also often shared his musical talents. In years past, his Elvis impersonation was applauded by many. He was soft-spoken, but all listened when he was speaking. Many depended on him and he was often lending a helping hand to family, friends and employees. An excellent Rook player, as part of the Richards family Rook Tournament at Christmas, Gary was a most sought after partner. He had a love for theater and performed his starring role as the Sheriff in Deadwood Dick in high school and then a couple of times for the Far Off-Broadway Players. He enjoyed a good joke and his quick-wit was well known. Gary and Diane would often be found in the bleachers at Casey-Westfield Warrior games, cheering on their grandchildren and applauding at piano recitals, band concerts, and Christmas programs.
As a businessman in the Casey community, he along with Diane, participated in, and contributed to, many organizations and causes. His passing leaves an emptiness for all who knew and worked with him. Gary will be remembered by all as a kind man. His mother taught her children to be kind to others. From his Pop, he learned patience, love for his wife and family, and to be an example of the good life.
A Gathering of Family and Friends Celebrating Gary’s Life will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 29, 2021, at Richards Farm Willow Room, 607 NE Thirteenth St., Casey, IL.
Memorial donation may be made to Big Things in A Small Town, PO Box 70, Casey, IL 62420.
To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
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