Ira Don Richards
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Service Schedule
Graveside Memorial Service
James Family Cemetery
Mountain View Road
Benton, AR  72015
Friday, July 15, 2016
10:00 a.m.
Cemetery
James Family Cemetery
Mountain View Road
Benton, AR  72015
Memorial Contributions
Humane Society of Saline County
P.O. Box 305
Benton, AR  72018
Ira Don Richards

of Benton, AR

May 3, 1933 - July 10, 2016

Ira Don Richards, PhD, age 83, of Benton died Sunday, July 10, 2016 at his home. Don was born May 3, 1933 at his grandparents' house on Pine Street in Bauxite. While growing up in Benton he visited Bauxite often. Don attended Benton Public Schools, graduating in 1951.

Upon graduation he attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and received his Bachelor of Science degree and also his Master of Arts degree. He received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in History from Tulane University in New Orleans in 1964.

Doctor Richards was on the faculty of Henderson State University 1961-1995 and a lecturer, 1964, at Little Rock University, now U.A.L.R. Previously he taught history at Southeastern Louisiana University, 1960-61. Dr. Richards was an N.D.E.A. lecturer, University of Arkansas, 1965, a visiting Professor at Carlton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 1968 and 1973, and a visiting Professor at Tulane in 1975. Upon his retirement he and his wife, Dorothy enjoyed many happy and peaceful years at their farm in Saline County.

Don was the son of Charles F. ''Budge'' Richards and Jewell Velma Green Richards of Benton and great grandson of William T. ''Nickel Bill'' and Mrs. James, pioneer settlers of Saline County and H. R. Green and Ada B. James Green of Bauxite. He was also the grandson of Lonzo and Jewell Sample Richards of Benton who lived next door to them.

Survivors are his wife, Dorothy Anderson Richards of Benton; daughters, Donna Richards Viti of Port St. Lucie, Florida and Karen Richards Arnold of Littleton, Colorado; brother and sister-in-law, Dan & Sue Richards of Benton; nephew, Jason Richards of Texas; niece, Dana Owens of Texas, and brother-in-law, George Anderson of Tennessee. Don leaves several extended family members and a myriad of friends.

A graveside memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 15, 2016 at James Cemetery in Benton.

Arrangements by Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (501-315-4047).

The family recommends that memorials be made to the Humane Society of Saline County, P.O. Box 305, Benton, AR 72018.



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9 Condolence(s)
Charles "Skip" & Gay Sample
Benton, AR
Liked
Thursday, July 14, 2016

We pray that God will surround your family with His wonderful peace and awesome strength.

Ann Snuggs
George West, TX
Liked
Thursday, July 14, 2016

Dr. Richards was one of my major professors at Henderson. I took so many of his classes that I practically majored in social sciences and minored in Dr. Richards' classes. He taught me so much about research and reporting researched materials. As an author, I owe him a lot.
Deepest sympathy to his family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Alissa Turner
BENTON,
Liked
Wednesday, July 13, 2016

God be with you and the family.

Monica Kidd Moore
Benton,
Liked
Wednesday, July 13, 2016

I was blessed to have Professor Richards as my teacher at HSU. I enjoyed his class so much that I took another of classes as an elective.
Monica Kidd Moore

Dean Kidd
Benton, AR
Liked
Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.

Dean and Gibger Kidd

Mary Chenault Riggin
Silver Spring, MD
Liked
Wednesday, July 13, 2016

My deepest sympathy to the family. Miss Jewel and her family were very special to the Chenault family. I was going thru some things the other day and found the first book Don had published. I remember his Mom being so proud.

Don Phillips
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Sincere condolences to the family.

Jeannie Martin/ Ophthalmology Associates
benton, AR
Liked
Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Dorothy,

I just wanted to send my love, thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm sorry for your loss. I'm going to miss him in his shorts and hat!!!!

Love, Jeannie

Leslie Chisum
Benton, AR
Liked
Tuesday, July 12, 2016

So sorry for your loss Mrs. Richards. Always enjoyed visiting with Mr. Richards when he came in to the doctor's office.( I was the receptionist.)