of Mountain View, AR

November 30, 1940 - December 6, 2024

Larry Benton Richards completed his journey through this life on December 6, 2024, and is now in his heavenly home with his Savior. He was born November 30, 1940 to GK Richards and Agnes Elders Thorpe in Shreveport Louisiana.

He joined the USAF in Dec. 1957 at the age of 17. After Basic Training he was assigned to Toul-Rosie' Air Base in France for 2 years and Sculthorpe Air Base in England for 1 year. He served at Barksdale Air Force Base during the Cuban Missile Crisis as Fuel Specialist. His rank at discharge was Senior Master Sargent. In November 1970 he was recommended for a Commission as Active Duty Fuels Officer for Barksdale A.F.B., LA. He was commended for outstanding job and supervisory performance record as Officer in Charge OIC.

He said his Air Force service was one of the best decisions he ever made. The training he received in the Air Force helped him achieve positions in the US Postal Service of Fleet Manager for North Louisiana and Fort Myers, FL and the Southern Region Vehicle Service Center, Memphis, TN, where he was instrumental in the selection of the ''Long Life Vehicles'' that remain in service today. He retired from USPS in November 1993.

Larry was a determined individual who chose to be a winner. He quit school to join US Air Force then passed the GED but also went to night school to graduate from Bossier High School with a ''real'' diploma. He became a leader in all his pursuits of life. As a military brat, Larry lived on various bases during his childhood. At age 10, he ran a paper route, taking his papers to the mess hall with a can, to put on top before going through the breakfast line with all the recruits. He caught the attention of George Steinbrenner who made him the bat boy for the AF team, allowing him to travel to all the games with the players. He used the hobby building on bases to develop his own photographs and occasionally visited the mess hall at supper time for ice cream, getting into trouble for skipping his main meal.

He was a strong Christian and served in several churches as Elder, treasurer and leader in Christian Service Brigade Stockade program for mentoring young boys for Christian Manhood. He was the recognized Ping Pong Champion, with every teen boy and visiting church speaker attempting to claim his title. His passion for fishing led to bi-annual Florida gulf fishing trips with special friends. He enjoyed cards and table games, known for standing up in his chair and crowing when he won-which was often. In later years, he enjoyed helping Kevin on carpentry jobs and traveling, visiting many countries, especially Japan and World War II memorial sites in Europe and Hawaii.

Preceded in death by His Mother and Father; brother, Floyd Richards; sister, Beverly Phillips; Stepmother, Bertie Richards and Stepfather, Penn Thorpe.

Survived by His wife and love of his life of 63 years, Jeannette Speakes Richards; Sons, Larry Richards Jr (Naomi Ando) of Fukushima, Japan and George Kevin Richards (Jan) of Mountain View, AR; Grandson, Dale Galloway of Austin, TX; Granddaughters, Kirby Galloway of Dallas, TX and Elizabeth Fulbright of Mountain View, AR; Special nephew, Gary Richards of Norfolk, VA; Brothers-in-law, Thurmon Speakes of Frierson, LA, Richards Speakes of Shreveport, LA, Homer Speakes of Prachinburi, Thailand, David Speakes of El Centro, CA; Sister-in-law, Delores Elliott of Keithville, LA and many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to caregivers Amber and Cassie.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Crouch Funeral Home
405 Peabody
Mountain View, AR  72560
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com