Robert Lewis “Bob” Richards, age 82, of New Palestine, passed away Thursday, April 24, 2008 at Hancock Regional Hospital in Greenfield.  Born on June 6, 1925 in Columbus, Ohio, he was the son of Thomas E. and Laura Thelma (Six) Richards.  He graduated from Springfield High School and received an Associates degree in accounting from Miami Jacobs College.  Mr. Richards married Margaret Alice Cull on July 28, 1951 in Dayton, Ohio.  He had served in the U.S. Army as a Medical Core technician 5^th grade during World War II, earning four campaign stars.  He was a member and a deacon of United Christian Church  and Masonic Lodge #742 in Ohio.  Mr. Richards was a purchasing coordinator for Allison for 29 years before retiring in 1980.

Survivors include his daughters, Synthia Howard of New Palestine and Kimberly Meeds of Batavia, OH; sons, Bruce Richards of Monroeville, PA and Bart Richards of Pittsboro, IN; brother, Thomas E. Richards of Lima, OH; sister, June Miller of Kettering, OH; several grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.  Preceding him in death were his parents, Thomas and Laura Richards; wife, Margaret Alice Richards, who passed away on Dec.13, 2007; and nine brothers and sisters.      

A private graveside memorial service will be held at a later date with burial at Park Cemetery in Greenfield.  Memorial contributions may be made to United Christian Church Memorial Fund, 8611 Hoke Road, Clayton, OH 45315.  Erlewein Mortuary in Greenfield is handling arrangements.  Friends may sign the on-line guestbook at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to sympathy@erleweinmortuary.com.