Steve Richards

    Steve Clanton Richards, 64, died July 8, 2019, at his home in Holyoke, surrounded by family and wrapped in his loving wife’s and father’s arms. Steve was born Aug. 19, 1954, in Seymour, Texas, to Hardie and Betty (Inman) Richards.
    He graduated from Lamar High School in Colorado and attended Lamar Junior College. Steve moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho, in the ’70s to assist his father, Hardie, with his farming business.
    Steve met and married his lifelong best friend, Debra Bowman, on March 29, 1980, in Idaho Falls. They had two children: Lacey and Jeremy.
    After working for his father for many years and various farming and construction jobs, Steve moved his family to Holyoke to work for Seaboard Foods for nearly 20 years.
    Steve devoted much of his spare time to his wife, kids and grandchildren. There was nothing he loved more than sitting on the patio, watching the kids play. He had a passion for animals and cared for all his farm animals as if they were his house pets. During the warm summer months, Steve enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting with his family and friends.
    During family get-togethers, Steve would be found flipping burgers on the barbecue, playing catch with the kids and cracking some good dad-jokes. His front and back yard never lacked attention, and his lawn mower lines were always on point. His work ethic never went unnoticed and was a value he instilled deeply into his children.
    His most proud achievement was marrying the love of his life, Debbie. Steve loved and adored his bride more than anything else, and he would do absolutely anything for her. He enjoyed driving her to and from work, cooking her meals, sitting on the porch with her and a cup of coffee, and most of all, just hanging out and being together.
    He was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important — the simplicity of living a life with those you love. His acute awareness of the importance of a life lived with the ones you love over any material possession was only handicapped by his territorial attachment to the remote control during a Denver Broncos game.
    Steve always made sure everyone was taken care of before himself. This was greatly evidenced by his primary role as caretaker to his father, which he continued until his final day. He will be remembered for his compassion, gentleness and wisdom. Steve never had a negative thing to say about anyone or anything, even when he was faced with many difficult elements. He was a family man with a heart of gold that was truly commendable.
    Steve is survived by his loving wife of almost 40 years, Debra Richards; his father, Hardie Richards; his children, Lacey and Jason Frank and Jeremy and Christina Richards; his brothers, Ron and Cherie Richards and Tony and Michelle Richards; his grandchildren, Alexis, Logan, Morgan, Addison, Anthony and Andrew; and his fur-baby, Paula.
    Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Betty (Inman) Richards, and his grandson, Jackson Frank.
    A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Aug. 17, at First Baptist Church in Holyoke. Services will begin at 11 a.m. with a catered reception to follow.
    His family will miss him greatly. He was a wonderful husband, loving father, honorable son and brother, and exceptional friend.
    Baucke Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.