Obituary of Robert Alan Richards
Robert Alan Richards, better known as Bob, was born on July 16, 1954, in Ohio. One of four children, he was born to the union of Donald Richards and Shirley Joan (Glassford) Potter. He attended Otsego High School in Bowling Green, Ohio, graduating with the class of 1972. Following high school, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy where he received an Honorable Discharge for his service on October 12, 1979. Bob then continued his education at Criswell College in Dallas, TX, before pursuing his Master of Theological Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC.
On April 30, 1983, Bob married the love of his life, Brenda Golden, and together the couple were blessed with two sons and two daughters. Living out his faith and following the Lord’s lead, Bob pastored several churches in the southern United States before settling in Dundee, Michigan in the early 2000s. Bob was the Pastor of Grace Bible Fellowship in Petersburg, where he loved preaching, teaching, and connecting with his fellow believers. He loved a good debate and could talk for hours about theology, often bringing his wry sense of humor into the mix. He enjoyed reading and learning about American history, especially the Civil War Era. When not studying or working on sermons, he loved spending time fishing off his pontoon boat on Wamplers or Belleville Lake, trying out one of his many lures. Bob loved the outdoors, whether he was working in the garden tending to his vegetables or out in the garage tinkering with a car or a lawnmower. He loved taking road trips to discover new destinations and always spoke fondly of the many places he’d been.
Above all, he was a true family man and cherished the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. He was the sort of man who would drop everything to help someone in need, and it was through his generosity and many acts of service—from long phone calls to hauling furniture to mechanical advice—that he best demonstrated that love.
Bob, age 69, passed away at his home on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. His passing was preceded by his father: Donald Richards; his stepfather: Jim Potter; and two brothers: Jeff and Gary Richards.
To cherish his memory, he leaves a loving wife of forty-one years: Brenda Richards of Dundee; two daughters: Courtney Richards of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Autumn (Dack) Turner of Michigan; two sons: Travis (Kellie) Richards of Columbus, Ohio and Shawn Richards (fiancée Rebecca Shannon) of Dundee; a sister: Kay (Glenn) Harschman of Georgia; and five grandchildren: Ivy and Nova Richards and Olivia, Alden and Isley Turner.
No public services are planned at this time. Bob’s care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156. Cremation has taken place through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan, a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc.
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