William E. “Bill” Richards, 69, of Lebanon, died Aug. 25, 2009 at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis.
He was born Dec. 27, 1939 in Birth Tree, Mo. He moved to Wilder, Idaho in 1944 and came to Sweet Home in 1952. He graduated from Sweet Home Union High School in 1959 and, following graduation, worked nine years with the Forest Service.
Mr. Richards moved to Albany in 1968 and worked as a janitor for Albany Union High School. He moved to Burns in 1974 and was a janitor with Burns School District. He then moved to the Lebanon area in 1982 and had worked 15 years as janitor with Scio School District.
He was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America. Mr. Richards also belonged to the Rabbit Club and enjoyed raising rabbits. He liked fishing, hunting, gardening, and also enjoyed helping organize and attending his 50-year class reunion.
He is survived by his mother, Edna Richards of Lebanon; and sister Joan Wade and her husband Steven of Lebanon.
He was preceded in death by his father, William D. Richards.
A graveside service was held Aug. 31 at the Lebanon IOOF Cemetery.
Huston-Jost Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.