John G. Richards, 86, of Salinas, passed away Sunday, March 20, 2005, after a lengthy illness.

He was born April 27, 1918, in Lamar, Ark., and lived in Salinas for more than 60 years.

He was retired from the Monterey County Public Works Department after 25 years of service.

John was a devoted and caring husband to the late Charlotte Richards for 47 years. John was a devout Christian and served as a deacon, treasurer and Sunday school teacher for many years.

He had a very big heart, was dearly loved and will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Military service:U.S. Navy during World War II.

Memberships: Monterey County Sheriff's Posse, P.E.R.S. and the Valley Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte, three brothers, and two sisters.

Survivors: Daughters, Pat Teresa and Norma (Bob) Day, both of Salinas; sister, Carrie Jane Jackson of Santa Rosa; grandchildren, Mike Teresa of Scottsdale, Ariz., Steve Teresa, Ronnie Day, Keith Day, Dan Teresa, Jeanette Stallcup and Sharon Bragg, all of Salinas, and Linda Tatum of El Dorado Hills; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 24, at Struve and Laporte Funeral Chapel, 41 W. San Luis St., Salinas.

Services: 11 a.m. Friday, March 25, at the mortuary chapel.

Burial: Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 18200 Damian Way, Salinas followed by a reception at the Posse clubhouse.

Memorials: American Cancer Society, 1184 Monroe St., No. 1, Salinas 93906; Hospice of the Central Coast, P.O. Box 1798, Monterey 93942; or Valley Baptist Church, 320 Church St., Salinas 93901.

Arrangements: Struve and Laporte.

Originally published March 23, 2005