Mark H. Richards

Mark H. Richards, 81, passed into the arms of his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ at 12:57 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. On June 29, 1943, the Richards family received the gift of their third child, Mark H. Richards, Sr., joining his older sister, Nancy and older brother James (Jim) and parents, Phillip (Phil) and Nila (Penrod) Richards. Mark quickly found it was quite fun to be carried around by his older siblings and other family members, so he just didn’t feel ‘inspired’ to walk until he was well over a year old. In all the old family photos it was plain to see he was a loved and adorable baby that was known for his chubby arms and legs and that dimpled smile. Later, a beautiful baby sister, Marcia, came along to complete their father’s dream of having his own ‘singing quartet’. And sing they all did!  Each one of the kids shared the gift of beautiful singing voices and learned to play an instrument or several instruments.  Mark enjoyed his time in the band in his middle and high school years playing the tuba and trombone. Later, he taught himself to play multiple instruments, including the bass, stand-up bass, keyboard and piano. Leading and singing music in church was something he enjoyed over the years and even at age 81 he still had a wonderful singing voice. Mark graduated from Jefferson High School in Upland, Indiana in 1961. He then met and later married the love of his life Carol J. (Bennett) Richards on July 7, 1963. After 58 years of marriage God called Carol home on May 11, 2022.  Together they served in multiple levels of ministry, directors and teachers for Sunday School, leaders for the youth group, leading song service at church and occasionally filling the pulpit to preach, just to name a few. As a couple, they served for well over twenty years at the Church of God of Prophecy in Gas City, Indiana. Mark was appointed the title of ‘Deacon’ to their church family and also served on the finance committee. He and the pastor, Bishop David Morris, served side-by-side for much of these 20 plus years. Mark and Carol were blessed with three wonderful children, Kelly (Chuck) Cheney, Fairmount, IN; Mark, Jr. (Diane) Trussville, AL; Eric (Amy) Richards, Fairmount, IN.  Later, they were delighted to receive additional blessings with six grandchildren:  Charissa Richards, Columbia, MO; Ethan Richards, San Diego, CA; Emily (Aaron) Hieneman, Trussville, AL; Mackenzie (Daniel) Conrad, Anderson, IN; Lauren Richards and Johnmark Richards, Fairmount, IN. Although Carol only had the joy of meeting their first great-grandbaby, Mark was blessed to meet great-grandbaby number 2 and was able to Facetime and see baby number 3 that recently joined his siblings on February 13, 2025.  Xander, Everly and Cooper Hieneman, Trussville, AL were born to parents, Aaron & Emily Hieneman. Also surviving is sister, Nancy (Bob) Herndon; brother-in-law, Kenny (Dawn) Bennett, Muncie; sisters-in-law, Joyce Bennett, Matthews, Pat (Bob) Richards, Gas City; Karen (Larry) Maddox, Upland; brothers-in-law, Dean (Jan) Bennett, Millsboro, DE, Dewayne (Sharie) Bennett, Muncie; sister-in-law, Sandy McCoy, East Lyme, CT; sister-in-law, Barbie Richards, West Lafayette, IN. He also leaves a plethora of special nephews and nieces, and although too numerous to share all their names, each and every one were loved dearly by their Uncle Mark! Preceding Mark in death was his loving wife, Carol; parents, Phil & Nila Richards; parents-in-love; Millard & Juanita Bennett; sister, Marcia McCoy; brother, Jim Richards; brother-in-law, Mike McCoy; brother-in-law, Mike Vinson; sister-in-law, Roberta Richards; nephew, Bret Richards; great-niece, Kiera Zepke; great-niece, Rebecca Stalder and great-nephew, Matthew Dayton. The family will receive visitors from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St. Gas City, Indiana. A Celebration Service will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Church of God of Prophecy, 906 N. 10th St. Gas City, IN with Bishop David Morris officiating. Family will also receive visitors beginning at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow at Matthews Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Church of God of Prophecy and/or to a charity of your choice. Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com <http://www.nswcares.com>