Gene Silas
Richards
1922 ~ 2010
Gene Silas Richards, 87, passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 9, 2010. He was born in Union, Utah on May 19, 1922 to James Earl and Myrtle Elizabeth Forbush Richards.
Gene served 10 years in the United States Marine Corps and 10 years in the United States Air Force. He is a World War II veteran and a veteran of the Battle of Iwo Jima and the occupation of Japan. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Medal with star, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with star, American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
While in the United States Air Force he served as a Security Policeman and guarded nuclear weapons and air bases around the world. He competed on a national level with several United States Air Force marksmanship teams.
Gene was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He retired for Kennecott Copper Company as a security officer.
Gene loved exploring the desert South West and enjoyed observing its wildlife. While in World War II he was stationed in Samoa and learned to speak Samoan and enjoyed conversing in it whenever the opportunity arose. He was a life member of the N.R.A. and supporter of the shooting sports. Above all he was a wonderful Father and Grandfather.
Gene is survived by his son, Jim and his wife Stacia Richards of Coweta, Oklahoma; grandson, Steven of Tulsa, Oklahoma; grand-daughters, Danielle Perry of Owasso, Oklahoma and Allison Perry of Coweta, Oklahoma. He is survived by his brother, Don; sister, Mildred of California. He is also survived by close long time friend Iris Stratton who cared for and comforted him for over 27 years.
Preceded in death by his parents; ex-wife, Margaret Jean Richards of McAlester, Oklahoma and many brothers and sisters.
A graveside service will be held at 12 Noon on Thursday, May 13, 2010 at the Midvale City Cemetery, 450 W. 7500 S. A visitation will be held at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S. State Street from 10-11:30 a.m. prior to the graveside service. www.goffmortuary.com