RUSSELL RICHARDS

Russell T. Richards, 86, of Sioux Falls, S.D., died Thursday, March 16, 2000, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

He was born March 2, 1914, in St. Louis, son of Leslie A. and Emma Bell Richards. He and Helen "Gussie" Richards were married Dec. 24, 1943, at Farmington.

Richards grew up and was educated in Cape Girardeau. He began working in the grocery business and eventually managed several Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co. grocery stores primarily in the Cape Girardeau area.

He later began a career in hotel management with Mid-America Hotels in Cape Girardeau. He worked in several supervisory positions over the years and was doing consulting work with Mid-America at the time of his death.

Richards was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Sioux Falls and a volunteer at Dow Rummel Village.

He served in the U.S. Army.

Survivors include a daughter, Karyn Pederson of Sioux Falls; and two grandchildren.

Friends may call at George Boom Funeral Home in Sioux Falls after noon Sunday.

A liturgical wake will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Halladay-Peterson Chapel at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls. Private burial will be in Hills of Rest Memorial Park in Sioux Falls.