Thomas H. Richards

Thomas H. Richards, 79, of New Paris, died Friday morning, June 16, 2006, at the home of his daughter, Carol Hershberger, following a short illness. He was born December 1, 1926, in Grant County, Indiana, to Jacob Harvey and Gladys Pearl (Hamilton) Richards.  On December 20, 1947, in Gas City, Indiana, he married Zetta P. Thompson.  She died September 23, 1996.   He served with both the U.S. Army and the Navy in World War II in the South Pacific.  He was a member of the VFW Post 985 in Goshen.   He owned and operated Richards Garage in New Paris for almost 40 years.  He enjoyed riding Harley Motorcycles.   He is survived by two daughters, Carol (Nerrissha) Herman Hershberger of New Paris, Indiana, and Susan (Paul) Szrom of Granger, Indiana; a son, John T. (Debra) Richards of Logansport, Indiana; ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is a sister, Joan Conner of Warren, Indiana and a brother John (Mary Helen) Richards of Marion, Indiana.   Friends will be received 10 to 11 a.m., Monday, June 19, at the funeral home.   An 11:00 a.m., Monday June 19, 2006, service will be held at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.  Rev. Otto Beer will officiate.   Military graveside service will be conducted by members of the Goshen Veterans organizations following the funeral service at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Matthews Cemetery, Matthews, Indiana.   Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW Post #985, Goshen.