C. Norman Richards

C. Norman Richards, 74, of Zion, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 26, 2011, at his home. He was born in Benton Township, Illinois on September 3, 1936, to John and Anna (Peterson) Richards. He attended Zion Schools and graduated from Zion Benton Township High School with the Class of 1954. Norm was united in marriage to his wife of 53 years, Judith M. (Griffith) Richards on June 13, 1958. He served with the United States Army Reserves from 1957 through 1963. Norm was a printer, farmer, and carpet installer prior to his career in construction. He was a lifetime member of Christ Community Church in Zion where he served as a deacon, an usher, and a general handyman on many church, mission, and Camp Zion related projects. Norm also willingly assisted many family and friends on various projects. He is father to Charles N. (Annette) Richards of Aurora, Ohio, Renee M. (Fred) Broome of Leesburg, Georgia, Terry A. (Kathy) Richards of Zion, IL, and Gary D. (Kim) Richards of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. He is grandfather to Trey, Rachael, and Caleb Broome; Nick, Zach, and Danie Richards; Kirsten, Kaitlyn, Anna, Sara, and Carolyn Richards; and brother to Leroy (Loretta) Richards of Florida, Ken (Romelle) Richards of Texas, Lucy (Bill) Burris of Texas, Laurel (Dick) Beem of Illinois, Kathy (Con) Lasaitis of Illinois, Lew (Cheryl) Richards of Minnesota and Steve (Judy) Richards of Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna Richards. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion. Visitation will be Friday, March 4, 2011 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the church, and again on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Camp Zion Ministry of Christ Community Church or ZEMA.