Waldon J. "Deacon" Richards, 78, 56 Eastview Drive, Fort Loramie, died at 11:30 p.m. April 25, 2010, at his home.

He was born Sept. 22, 1931, in Sidney, to Willis and Helen Yunkin Richards. On June 13, 1959, he married Naomi M. Lachey, who survives.

Also surviving are three children, David (Jill) Richards, Sidney, Mark Richards, Fort Loramie, and Lisa (Glen) Camper, Wapakoneta; and six grandchildren.

Deceased are a sister, Maxine Jackson, and a brother-in-law, Ralph Jackson.

He retired from The Stolle Corporation in Sidney after 43 years. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Fort Loramie. He was a member of the Knights of St. John, Fort Loramie, and the American Legion Post 355, where he was a bar manager and bartender. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and served three years in the Korean War.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. Steven Shoup officiating. Burial will follow with full military honors by the American Legion at the church cemetery.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Thursday and 9-10 a.m. Friday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.

Contributions can be made to the donor's choice.