Clarence Leroy Richards
March 20, 1924 - September 19, 2012
My Grandpa may have passed away and gone on to Heaven where I won't be able to see him with my eyes for a while. But, I will keep him in my heart and meet up again with him one day.
I loved my Grandpa dearly. But, I was also very proud of the man he was. I was always proud to tell people when they asked about my Grandpa, he served his country in 2 wars. He fought in the World War II and the Koran War. Although he didn't talk much about them, I know he was proud to have served his country. Even after he served his 20+ years in the US NAVY, he continued as a civil servant in the US Post Office until he finally retired from there after 20+ years of service.
He loved to go fishing on his boat. When we were little, he would let me and my sister play in his garage or his workshop while he worked on the boat. I always remember him bringing home lots of fish. But, I don't ever remember eating them. Maybe it's because kids don't like fish. So, we ate something else or my Grandma would cook it up in something so we had no idea that we were eating it. But, I do remember my Grandpa at the grill making THE BEST Teriyaki Steak EVER!
He had the neatest tools in his garage. Of course, we weren't technically allowed to touch any of them at 7 & 8 years old. But, of course that didn't stop us. :) Then, there was the basement. As my sister has pointed out, most kids are afraid of the basement. Not us! The basement was a huge playground for us. My Grandpa had his model planes, a huge menagerie of wooden animals and the best Race Track we had ever played with. My sister and I would spend hours playing in the basement until we were made to go outside. Then, we would play with my Grandma's Geese, pick Strawberries, Grapes and Cherries from the Garden, catch fireflies at dusk and play king of the mountain on the huge rock in their front yard. Their house was right across from the baseball field at Indianapolis University. I can remember sitting in lawn chairs with Grandpa watching the game from the front yard. Sometimes the home runs would land in the yard. My Grandpa always gave the balls to us. I loved going to visit with my Grandpa & Grandma.
One of the things I remember most is how much he LOVED my Grandma. He would do ANYTHING for her. She always used to tell us what a "good man" he is and how he never raised his voice to her. She always said he was a good husband and we should make sure we had a good husband like him.
I'm going to miss you Grandpa! But, I know that you are happy in Heaven, finally reunited with Grandma and you'll keep a good watch over us. I love you!
