Ron was born June 10, 1941, in Edinburgh, Indiana, to the late Ernest and Lucille Richards. His boyhood was filled with hunting, fishing, and horseback riding. He was a class leader and an outstanding athlete at Edinburgh High School, where he lettered in baseball, track and field, football, and basketball. Ron excelled at basketball and was ranked in the top 100 players in the state his senior year, 1958–59.

In 1960, Ron married his high school sweetheart, Julia Hickey, also of Edinburgh. Together they attended Bethel College in Kentucky and graduated from Ball State University. After earning his bachelor’s degree in biology, Ron began a teaching career at Southwestern High School in Shelby County. While he taught biology, he also coached middle school basketball and high school cross country, and served as athletic director. He would later earn a master’s degree in education from Indiana University.

In 1975, Ron began his second career when he purchased Snyder’s grain elevator in Taylorsville. He was owner/operator of the elevator for twenty-five years. He was active in the local community, serving on the REMC board and the Bartholomew County 4H fair board. He was a proud supporter of the 4H youth. Ron also enjoyed gardening, fishing, golfing, his dogs, and his friends.

Ron and Julia moved to Lake Wales, Florida, in 2005. In retirement, they found happiness in entertaining family and friends. Ron also enjoyed golfing and fishing on Lake Kissimmee.

Ron is survived by his wife Julia Richards; daughter, Dana Richards of Akron, Ohio; son, Andy Richards of Martinsville, Indiana; sisters, Carole Shofner of Frostproof, Florida, and Susan Shepherd of Edinburgh, Indiana; and four grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his brother Wayne.

No services are scheduled at this time.