Ernest Richards Obituary

METCALF - Ernest (Ernie) R. Richards, 80, of Metcalf passed away peacefully at home on Thursday (June 26, 2025).

Ernie was born to Forrest and Maxine (Eastin) Richards on July 11, 1944, in Tuscola. On Sept. 23, 1966, he married the love of his life, Nancy Hance.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years; two sisters-in-law, Kay Simpson and Sharon Koester; his mother-in-law, Martha Hance; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews and great-great-nieces and -nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Maxine Richards; sister-in-law, Phyllis Webster; brother-in-law, Charles Simpson; and father-in-law, Alexander Hance.

Ernie was a lifelong farmer, beginning with his dad while still in school and continuing on his own after a stint in the U.S. Army. His love of farming began at an early age when his parents gave him his first toy tractor. He went on to become an avid collector of farm toys, mostly John Deere.

He enjoyed rooting for many sports teams, including the Fighting Illini, St. Louis Cardinals, Shiloh Lady Raiders, Shiloh and Titan boys' sports and any team that included his nieces and nephews. He was their number one fan. He also enjoyed watching tractor pulls, whether at the county fair or the Louisville National Farm Machinery Show.

After retiring from farming, he enjoyed winters at their home in Florida, where he could be found spending time with family and friends or just enjoying a beer on the lanai watching for gators on the lake.

He was a member of the Hume Lions Club, the Roth-Williams Legion and Hume Christian Church.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 3, at Joines Funeral Home, Newman. A funeral service will be held the following day, Friday, July 4, at 10 a.m., also at the funeral home. Pastor Craig Roller will officiate. Burial will follow in Young America Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Roth-Williams American Legion or Auxillary.