Gary Gene Richards

Gary Gene Richards, 71, of Clever Missouri, passed away in Springfield on May 27, 2023. Gary was born in San Luis Obispo, CA on July 14th, 1951, to Mildred and Lester Richards. He was a graduate of Parkview High School and attended Graff Vocational School.

Gary married Sherry, and together they had two children, Ty and Tia. He was a Realtor/Broker at Carol Jones in Nixa, Maintenance staff for Nixa Schools, and City Alderman. He owned his own businesses over the years: Gary's Repair, R&R Repair, and Accurate Electric, specializing in residential and commercial Electrical, Appliance repair, Heating, Cooling and Maintenance. He was a talented author writing a series of short stories, poems, and songs, a musician playing guitar and drums, and an avid horseman. But his favorite thing to do was spend time with his kids and grandkids and tried to never miss any of their events. He was so proud of them!

Gary was also a proud member of Nixa Nazarene Church and attended Clever Methodist Church. His strong faith sustained him through many difficult days.

Gary is survived by Sherry, loving wife of 53 years, his son, Ty, wife Malisha Richards, daughter, Tia, husband Stacey Tennis, grandchildren Rylee and Tyla Richards, Austin, Lexie (Gideon) and Jake Tennis, great-grandchildren Jace, Maddie, and Hudson Tennis, and Baker and Smith Gideon, one brother, Don Richards, several nieces and nephews, and a host of wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Mildred and Lester Richards.

Because Gary thought funerals were "barbaric," a Celebration of Life and Ice-cream social will be held at a later date. He loved to laugh, so bring your favorite funny stories to tell.

Special thanks to Wilson's Creek Nursing and Rehab and Regional Hospice Services for your unwavering care, love, compassion, and professionalism.

In the words of Gary, “If it isn’t right, if it isn’t moral, if it doesn’t come with a clear conscience, it isn’t worth it. Play fair and you’ll always be a winner.”

A Celebration of life in the honor of Gary will be held on June 30, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Clever Free Methodist Fellowship Hall in Clever MO.

Cremation rites are entrusted with Adams Funeral Home and Crematory.