Obituaries

Donald L. Richards

Died Sept. 15, 2015

ELMWOOD TOWNSHIP – Donald Lloyd Richards, 89, formerly of Suttons Bay, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015 at Orchard Creek Assisted Living surrounded by his loving family.

Don was born Jan. 11, 1926 in Detroit the son of Lloyd and Velma (Deering) Richards.  On Aug. 21, 1948 in Detroit he married his loving wife of 67 years, Marie Therese (Baumann) Richards, who survives.

After high school Don served his nation in the U.S. Navy.  He then attended Western Michigan University.  Don worked at Maryland American Casualty Insurance in Detroit, Michigan for many years.   After moving to Suttons Bay, he was a well-known realtor for many years; he worked at Zimmerman-McDonald, Real Estate One and Coldwell Banker where he retired from.  He served on the Leelanau and Suttons Bay Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Suttons Bay and he was a life member of the Traverse City Elks Lodge #323.  

Don is survived by his wife, Marie; his four children, Joanne M. Brown, Janet L. Pugh, Thomas E. Richards, Donald Paul Richards; nine grandchildren, Brian, Maria, Mike, Randy, Jonathan, Erica, Meghann, Allison and Katelin and eight great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18 with the Rosary to be Prayed at 7:30 PM at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19 at St. Michael’s Parish of Suttons Bay.  Private family burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery will be held at a later date.  Father Leonard Paul will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy, Suite 1155, Traverse City, MI 49684. 

Please share memories with Don’s Family at www.martinson.info or the funeral home’s Facebook page.