Paul Everett Richards

Paul Everett Richards, 89, of Belle Rive, IL went to be with his savior on Friday, September 26, 2025 at Silver Foxes Senior Living & Rehabilitation Center in McLeansboro.

Paul was born on June 9, 1936 in La Salle, IL to Noel & Golda (Browder) Richards.  On August 14, 1958 he married Iris Fae (Marlow) Richards, who preceded him in death on November 30, 2019.

Paul worked for 20 years at Florsheim Shoe Factory in Mt. Vernon, IL and 20+ years at General Tire/Continental Tire North America in Mt. Vernon.  He was a member of the Belle Rive Missionary Baptist Church.  He enjoyed clock repair, hunting, and camping with his family.  He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Paul is survived by 2 sons: Frankie (Ladonna) Richards of Dahlgren, IL and Kevin (Kim) Richards of Dahlgren, IL; a daughter Paula (Steve) Brinkman of Mansfield, TX; 7 grandchildren: Carmen (Dave) Wiggins, Brandon (Claudia) Brinkman, Stacy (Nathan) Taylor, Clint (Sydney) Richards, Brent Brinkman, Cody (Jonlee) Richards, and Kaden (Elizabeth) Richards; 12 great-grandchildren: Stella, Grant, Brian, Lucy, Sylas, Kenzie, Owen, Carter, Logan, Joplin, Ruvie B., and Tulsa Fae; 2 sisters: Joan Clark and Janet (Donald) Scrivner, 2 brothers: Gene (Carleen) Richards and Dennis Richards; and several nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Noel & Golda Richards, his wife Iris Fae Richards, a sister Joyce Richards, father-in-law & mother-in-law Frank & Madge Marlow, 3 sisters-in-law: Barbara & Donald Wilkey, Carole Richards, and Colleen Richards, and a brother-in-law Pete Clark.

Funeral services for Paul Everett Richards will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at the Belle Rive Missionary Baptist Church in Belle Rive, IL with Rev. Jeremy Hamson & Rev. Richard McCormick officiating.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025 at the church.  Interment will follow the funeral service at Flint-Belle Rive Cemetery in Belle Rive.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Paul’s memory to the Belle Rive Missionary Baptist Church and will be accepted at the church or at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro.  

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