August 24, 1935 – July 30, 2005
Howard Glen Richards was born on August 24, 1935, in Clay, Kentucky. Howard was the first of three children and the only son born to Waymon F. Richards and Charlotte Woolfork Richards. His father preceded him in death.
Howard received his formal education in the St. Louis Public Schools system, graduating from John Marshall Elementary and Charles Sumner High School. He attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City.
He was called to serve his country in the United States Army from 1959 until 1962 and received an honorable discharge. He was united in holy matrimony with Wanda Johnson, and to this union, a son was born, Howard Jr. Howard was affectionately called “Pochie” by his family and “Tiny” by his many friends, because of his height.
In early years, he was a member of the “The Gay Gaucho” and many other social organizations. He confessed a hope in Christ and united with Scruggs Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church as a boy and into adulthood.
He began his professional career at the United States Post Office and was later employed by Ozark, TWA and American Airlines until his health failed.
He was of good character and mannerisms and was a pleasant person: charming, witty, comical, polished and poised. He was well received by most.
On Saturday, July 30, 2005, at 10:19 a.m., God called Howard to rest.
Family athletes who attended the funeral of Howard Sr. were son Howard Jr., who graduated from the University of Missouri at Columbia and played pro football for the Dallas Cowboys; his brother in-law, Ernie McMillan, who played for the Saint Louis Cardinals football team; his nephew, Eric McMillan, who graduated from the University of Missouri at Columbia and played for the New York Jets; and step-brother Mavin Neals, a former coach at Soldan High School and current coach at Cardinal Ritter College Prep.
He leaves to mourn his homegoing, his son, Howard, Jr.; one grandchild, Sydny St. John Richards; his mother, Charlotte F. Richards; 2 sisters, Shirley R. McMillan of Atlanta, GA and Jeanette R. Cofield (Amos); five nephews, Erik C. McMillan of Atlanta, GA, Darryl G. Cofield (Catherine), Brian K. Cofield, Anthony A. Cofield (Rita Nicole), and Christian A. Cofield; a stepbrother, Marvin Neals; seven great nieces and nephews; cousins, and many dear friends.
