Howard Cecil Richards

Richards, Howards Cecil October 3, 2020 Age 93. Beloved husband of Verna (nee Puls). Loving father of Susan (Ronald) Minke, Karen (Gerald) Warson and Catherine (Joseph) Metz. Proud grandfather of Sarah (Andrew), Jason (Lauren) and Mark (Danielle). Adored great grandfather of Lucy, Lincoln and Harper. Funeral Services are Private. Interment Downing Cemetery, Deckerville , MI. Share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" @ WujekCalcaterra.com Howard C Richards was born on June 12, 1927 in Royal Oak, MI. He attended Ferndale Public Schools and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1945. After high school he served in the U.S. Army until 1947, then earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University, majoring in mathematics and education, and minoring in physical and social science. He started his career in education with Fraser Public Schools in 1951. He taught mathematics and music, and was a counselor from 1951 – 1954, while earning a Masters degree at the University of Detroit. He was named principal of Fraser Elementary School and served five years in that capacity. He was then appointed Superintendent in 1959 and was the longest serving Superintendent in the State of Michigan. He earned an educational specialist degree from Wayne State University during that time. The Board of Education honored Mr. Richards in 1970, naming the former high school the Howard C. Richards Junior High School. In addition to his long service in education, Mr. Richards had been actively involved in church and community related services. He served as president of the Fraser Kiwanis Club, and was founder and director of the Fraser Civic Chorus. He was chairman of the communications committee of the MCASA. He was secretary and an active member of the Grosse Pointe Chapter barbershop group. He finished his career with a wonderful retirement party May 19, 1985. He married Fraser High School valedictorian Verna Puls in 1954 and they recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. She was the love of his life. A truer love story was never written. They raised three girls together, Susan, Karen and Cathy. He named his boat No Buoys! They retired to their home in Palms, MI. He loved to work his land. Verna had him install a dinner bell so she could call him in for meals! Both Howard and Verna were actively involved with their golf course and both served as president over the years. Howard started a barbershop group up north and they performed at several places. He was a consultant to the Delaware Township board and a member of the tax review board. He now has 3 son-in-laws, 3 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. The family loved to visit and ride bikes, go to the beach, have bon fires and make smores. His love of family and community was unsurpassed. Please help us celebrate his life by remembering him fondly. He touched so many lives! More than you can imagine. ****Please be advised that social distancing and wearing a face covering is deeply appreciated and is mandated by the State of Michigan****

Howard Cecil Richards

June 12, 1927 - October 3, 2020