Ernest R. Richards

Ernest (Ernie) R. Richards, 80, of Metcalf passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 26, 2025.

Ernie was born to Forrest and Maxine (Eastin) Richards on July 11, 1944 in Tuscola, IL. On September 23, 1966, he married the love of his life, Nancy Hance.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years; two sisters-in-law, Kay Simpson and Sharon Koester; mother-in-law, Martha Hance; and several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Maxine Richards; sister-in-law Phyllis Webster; brother-in-law Charles Simpson; and father-in-law Alexander Hance.

Ernie was a lifelong farmer, beginning with his dad while still in school and continuing on his own after a stint in the United States Army. His love of farming began at an early age when his parents gave him his first toy tractor. He went on to become an avid collector of farm toys, mostly John Deere.

He enjoyed rooting for many sports teams, including the Fighting Illini, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Shiloh Lady Raiders, the Shiloh and Titan boys sports, and any team that included his nieces and nephews. He was their number one fan. He also enjoyed watching tractor pulls, whether at the county fair or the Louisville National Farm Machinery Show.

After retiring from farming, he enjoyed winters at their home in Florida, where he could be found spending time with family and friends or just enjoying a beer on the lanai watching for gators on the lake.

He was a member of the Hume Lions Club, the Roth-Williams Legion, and the Hume Christian Church.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at Joines Funeral Home in Newman. A funeral service will be held the following day (Friday, July 4) at 10 a.m. also at the funeral home; Pastor Craig Roller will be officiating. Burial will follow at the Young America Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Roth-Williams American Legion or Auxillary.

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