Fred A. Richards

Fred A. Richards, 70, passed away peacefully at his home in Marion, Indiana, with his family by his side on Sunday, June 23, 2019. Fred was born on September 10, 1948, to the late Mearl Richards and Donna Richards. He graduated from Eastbrook high school, Class of 1966. Fred was a proud Veteran of the Army from the HHC 4th Battalion, 63d Armor, 1st infantry division Big Red 1. He served in the Vietnam War from October 1968 to October 1969. He was a highly decorated Sergeant in the Vietnam War. His medals include two bronze stars. Fred was a well-known barber at Mans Image on Adams Street in Marion for 45 years until retiring in 2016. He was very detailed in his work and took pride in his abilities to do so. It has been said that Fred had given many haircuts for free because he wanted everyone to look their best, even if they couldnt afford it that day. Fred married his wife, Cheryl (Durkes) Richards on June 9, 1989. They had just celebrated 30 years of marriage. Fred was an avid car collector and had collected 28 cars throughout his life. He loved them all, but his two favorites were his 1964 Impala and his Super Sport Convertible. He acquired the nickname of Freddie Pumphandle from his grandpa John. He was a member of Sunnycrest Baptist Church and was involved with TV ministry, choir and the Wednesday night childrens ministry. Fred was a member of the Mississinewa Valley Corvette Club and the 9th Street gang. Fred will be truly missed by his family and friends. He was an unselfish, funny, loyal, loving, generous, tough but gentle soul. He was a confidant to many and those who knew him were blessed and honored to have him in their lives as the biggest hearted man they knew. He was a good soldier in the fight of cancer. He never complained, he did everything that his doctors and nurses told him. He accepted what it was and never gave up. Fred is survived by his mother, Donna (Don) Richards; his wife, Cheryl Richards of Marion; his two sons, Jason Richards of Marion and Jed (Brooke) Richards of Westfield; daughter, Tara (Mark) Asbury of Gas City; his sister, Wanda (Mike) Carter of Fairmount; his two granddaughters, Bailey Richards of Westfield and Dakota Richards of Marion; his two step-grandsons, Peyton and Lucas Asbury both of Marion. He was preceded in death by his father, Mearl Richards. Arrangements for Fred have been entrusted to College Park Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home Cremation Services, 4601 S. Western Avenue, Marion, Indiana 46953. Services for Fred will be held at Sunnycrest Baptist Church, 2172 W. Chapel Pike, Marion, Indiana 46952, on Thursday, June 27, 2019. There will be a visitation held from 10:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M., with the funeral beginning at 12:30 P.M. with Pastor Troy Bishop officiating. Burial will immediately follow at the Marion National Cemetery, Marion, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to the TV Ministry-Sunnycrest, 2172 W. Chapel Pike, Marion, Indiana 46952. Online condolences may be left at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.comVisitation Thu, Jun 27, 2019 at 10:00 am - 12:30 pm Fairmount Chapel - Armes - Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services 415 S Main StreetFairmount, IN 46928-1929Funeral Service Thu, Jun 27, 2019 at 12:30 pm Sunnycrest Baptist Church 2172 Chapel PikeMarion, Indiana 46952