BELLE RIVE – 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 and 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 more than 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 two sons: Frankie (Ladonna) Richards of Dahlgren, IL, and Kevin (Kim) Richards of Dahlgren, IL; a daughter, Paula (Steve) Brinkman of Mansfield, TX; seven 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; two sisters: Joan Clark and Janet (Donald) Scrivner; two brothers: Gene (Carleen) Richards and Dennis Richards; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Noel and Golda Richards; his wife, Iris Fae Richards; a sister, Joyce Richards; father-in-law, Frank Marlow, and mother-in-law, Madge Marlow; three sisters-in-law: Barbara Wilkey, Carole Richards, and Colleen Richards; and a brother-in-law, Pete Clark.
Funeral services for Paul Everett Richards will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the Belle Rive Missionary Baptist Church in Belle Rive, IL, with Rev. Jeremy Hamson and Rev. Richard McCormick officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 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.
Share online condolences at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com.