Robert E. "Gene" Richards

Robert E. “Gene” Richards of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at the Winter Haven Hospital.

He was born May 6, 1931 in Babson Park to the late Grady E. & Ila Richards; he was a lifelong resident of the area. He was a retired clerk from Cain’s, a retired manager from Napa and was currently a security guard at Chemical Containers. He was a charter member of the Central Avenue Baptist Church and has served in many capacities, including Deacon, Sunday school and maintenance.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Helen Richards; three daughters, Terry Richards Thomas and husband, Warren of Brandon, Lorrie Sibley and husband, Benjamin D. of Oviedo and Robin Richards Olewine and husband, Charles of Lake Alfred; a sister, Ann Richards Kinsinger of Clermont, one brother, Cecil Guy Richards of Lake Wales; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 am Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at the Central Avenue Baptist Church in Lake Wales with Rev. Larry Matheny.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Central Avenue Baptist Church Memorial Fund (113 West Central Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853).