Robert Eugene Richards was born to Eugene (Gene) and Glois Rhodes Richards on July 15, 1930 in Hardesty, Oklahoma. He departed this life into Glory on January 20, 2026 from the Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center in Amarillo, Texas, at the age of 95 years old, with family by his side. He was the grandson of EC (Bud) and Nancy Hodges Richards, and David and Grace Dye Rhodes.

Bobby was proud to have attended first through twelfth grade in Hardesty. After completing electronics school in Chicago, he was drafted into the Army in 1952 and served his country in Europe until 1954, continuing in the Army Reserves, being honorably discharged as a US Army Captain. He may not have believed in war, but he was proud to serve his country.

On January 1, 1955, Bobby married his high school sweetheart, Madalyn Johnson. They would be blessed with two wonderful children, Thomas Eugene and Rebecca Lynn.

Bobby's definition of a successful life was not how much money one makes, nor fame one achieves, but rather whether one has accepted Christ as Savior, has helped others, and has lived the Christian life as best as one can.

Bob accepted Christ in November 1944, taught Sunday School classes and served in various positions in the church.

He was also proud he was able to donate 250 pints (over 30 gallons) of blood to help save the lives through the American Red Cross.

Bob graduated in 1958 from Panhandle State University with a B.S. in Animal Husbandry and a teaching certificate in Science and Math. He began his teaching career in Guymon, teaching science and math. He was awarded an academic year at Texas A&M, where he received his Masters Degree in 1964.

Bobby moved his family to California in the fall of 1964, and spent the next 25 years working with and helping develop the young minds in his science classes. He was recognized as a Teacher of the Year, as the City Outstanding and Creative Teacher, and nominated twice as Teacher of the Year for the State of California. He retired in 1989, and after a short stay in Tucson, returned to Guymon to enjoy his retirement years with family.

Bobby is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Madalyn, son Tom, and daughter Becky. His sisters Glowanda, Sheryl, Carole, and Vicki also preceded him in death, making him the last of his immediate family.

Memorial services will be held Sunday, May 24th at 2:00 p.m. at the Hardesty Methodist Church with Pastor Tony Aton officiating.  Burial with military honors will follow at the Hartville Cemetery, southeast of Hardesty.

Friends can sign the online guestbook and leave condolences at www.bunchroberts.com .