John Richards

John Coleman Richards May 6, 1942 †" December 30,2021 John was born in Colby Kansas in 1942. He was adopted by Claude and Faye Richards and grew up in the small town of Rexford, Kansas. Sadly, his mom died when John was 7 years old and his dad died when he was 12. His teen years were spent with his stepmother Grace Richards. John married Judy Rico on December 29, 1961. He initially worked in farming, and in 1962 their daughter Helena was born. They moved to Denver Colorado in 1964 where he found employment in the grocery business, starting out at Red Owl. After moving to Arvada in 1966 their second daughter Carrie was born. In 1971 John started having Bible discussions with a co-worker, this sparked an interest that motivated him, along with Judy, to study the Bible with Jehovah†™s Witnesses. After dedicating his life to Jehovah God, he was baptized on July 22, 1972. In 1974, he shared in a special privilege when the Arvada Kingdom Hall was being built. To make it possible for him to help with the construction, his co-workers covered for him at his job. He attended the West Arvada congregation until his death. He enjoyed spending time in the door to door ministry, teaching the Bible to others, and working at assemblies and conventions. For many years he worked as a General Contractor, and generously gave of his time and talents to help family and friends with various projects. A wonderful discovery for John came in 2017… he located and was united with his biological family. He was very pleased to learn about his birth mother Vivian, from his new-found half brother and sister James Duffy and Anne Boone. In 2018 John and Carrie traveled to Georgia to meet them in person. Together with their families, they shared stories and pictures of their mother, who died in 2000. John spent much time on the phone with his new brother and sister, and Jim made 2 visits to Colorado. It was within this family, John also came to meet his stepbrother, Richard Warren, who serves as an elder in Georgia. In the last few years of his life, he had the privilege of auxiliary pioneering with Judy, and serving as a congregation elder, helping and encouraging many. The numerous calls, cards, letters, video messages and in-person visits John received, lifted his spirits, and deeply touched his heart. We remember John as a caring, creative, industrious, and generous man. He loved his family, friends (cats too) and gave us all many a laugh with his good sense of humor! He maintained strong faith in the Bible, and that God†™s Kingdom would bring true peace to our troubled world. He shared this good news with others even in the last weeks of his life. Of special note: December 29th marked John and Judy†™s 60th wedding anniversary… he passed away peacefully in his sleep early on December 30th with her at his side. John found comfort in God†™s promise of being reunited with his parents, daughter Helena, grandson Brandon, and many other loved ones in the resurrection to an earthly paradise. He had absolute confidence that in this perfect setting, he would enjoy good health, youthful energy, and the opportunity to use his building skills to the full. He is survived by: Wife - Judy K. Richards Daughter - Carrie L. Deines (Kurt) Brother - James L. Duffy Jr. Sister †" Anne E. Boone Stepmother-Grace E. Richards Step-Brother - Richard Warren (Connie) Nephew †" Kenneth T. Sanford (Julie) Niece -Taunia Olson Tovar Niece †" Sara Frieson (Jory) In-Laws Robert & Mary Olson In-Laws Steve & Leslie Rico Niece †" Taunia Tovar He is preceded in death by: Daughter †" Helena R. Richards-Sheats Grandson †" Brandon M. Sheats Mother †" Lesta Faye Richards Father †" Claude W. Richards Grandmother †" Sydney Roller Stepmother †" Grace E. Richards Stepsister †" Eunice J. Sanford Nephew †" Michael N. Sanford Birth Family: Mother †" Vivian E. Warren Grandmother †" Annie E. Johnson Uncle †" Ruffin Wilson