Dan "D.L." Richards

  Dan “D.L.” Richards,  84, of Weatherford, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, June 13, 2011. Born May 14, 1927, in Gatesville, Texas, to Charles Lee and Ruby Cole Richards. He moved to Weatherford in the 1940’s. At age 17, he joined the U.S. Navy, stationed at San Diego, California, working on aircraft carriers. 

  Following his discharge , he joined the National Guard. He was recalled to active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He retired from the Guard in 1987. In 1946, he met Lois M. Hawkins and they were married in 1947. 

  Following his return to reserve status he worked as a fireman on the Weatherford Mineral Wells Northwestern Railroad. In 1960, he went to work for the Rock Island Railroad and later Union Pacific in Fort Worth as an Engineer where he continued to work until his retirement in 1989.  

  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ted Richards; and sister, Joan Shadden.
 
  Survivors: wife of 64 years, Lois; children, Dale Richards and wife, Melinda of Weatherford, Don Richards and wife, Georgia of Weatherford, Cathy Baker and husband, Eddie of Millsap, James Dean “Deanie” Richards of Weatherford, Drew and Janet Richards; sister, Sue Friedman and husband, Jack; sister in law, Mickey Richards; brother in law, Joe Shadden, 15 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren with one due soon, and eight great great grandchildren; and former daughter in laws, Sheri Richards, Kathi Nicely Richards, and Deborah Oaks.
 
  Funeral 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 17, 2011, at Greenwood Baptist Church. Interment in Greenwood Community Cemetery. Visitation 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel. Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.