Racine- Paul Wesley Richards, 94, passed away at his home on Sunday, May 18, 2008. Paul was born in Davenport, Iowa on February 4, 1914 to the late Wesley and Alice Gertrude (nee: Lloyd) Richards. On May 16, 1936, he was united in marriage to Vaneta Cady who preceded him in death in 1984. On April 13, 1985, he married Gladys Sauer. Paul began his career in the tractor manufacturing industry with John Deere shortly after graduation from high school. Not long after, he joined J. I. Case Company. In 1958 he moved his family to Racine where he worked in the Corporate headquarters and Tractor Plant of Case Company until his retirement. Paul was an accomplished systems analyst who brought many of the departments into the world of automation and computer technology. Even after his retirement in 1979, Paul continued to support Case as a consultant. A knowledgeable man of faith, Paul was a proud member of Community of Christ in Milwaukee. Self-made and extraordinarily brilliant, he had a never-ending passion for learning. Paul was an avid reader of history, religion, current events, inspiring biographies, and Civil War books. With an amazing photographic mind, he had a sharp memory and could quote anything he had ever read. Paul also had a keen sense of humor and an infectiously positive attitude. Among his interests, he enjoyed photography, computers, lapidary and leather work, yard work, traveling and volunteering. In the last eleven years Paul’s full-time job was caring for his infirmed wife with devotion and a strong sense of purpose. She thrived under his care. Surviving are his loving wife, Gladys; children, Judith (Ralph) Paulson and Jeanne (Charles) Grant, both of Racine; Marilyn “Joan” Jensen of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Joyce (Harry) Burrows of Milwaukee; step-children, Earl (Dawn) Sauer, Carol Rotheray and Shirley (Mike) Johnson; grandchildren, Chris (Amy)Paulson, John Paulson, Julie (Dan) Reschke, Neil Spath (fiancee April Johnson), Joel Jensen and Amanda Burrows; great-granddaughter, Jessalyn Reschke; his loving second family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention. In addition to his parents and first wife, Paul was preceded in death by his grandson, David Spath; and brother, Vern (Camilla) Richards. In accordance with Paul’s wishes, cremation will take place. Memorial services celebrating Paul’s life will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at 7:00 pm with Elder Ralph Paulson officiating. Private interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. There will be time to visit with the family on Tuesday from 6-7 pm. In memory of Paul, memorials may be made to Community of Christ. A special note of thanks to Paul’s devoted friends, Jan, Betty, Billie, Melba, Andre, Mary and Barb, for their many years of frequent visits and support. Dad loved all of you!
Harold D. Jones says
My sympathy to the family. You have lost an exceptional man. Paul and I have been friends for 50 years. We worked together for many years, and I learned a lot about systems design from him.
He was by far the most interesting person I ever met. His new word of the day and use of Latin and shorthand were unique, certainly in the systems field.
We enjoyed having a drink, or maybe two, together and did so on occasion. Listening to his discourse on his current interest was fascinating. He was one of a kind and I will miss him.
Marvin & Suzie Arnold says
Dear Joyce and family,
We were so very sad to learn of your dad’s passing. If I remember right, we met him once on a visit to Milwaukee one summer at Jeannie’s house. Know from conversations with Harry about his relationship with Paul, he was a brilliant, loving, man with an extremely fertile mind. Just know that you are all in our prayers and thoughts. It is so very hard to accept losing a loved one as we have all experienced in the past years. Love to all, Marvin & Suzie