Johnny Edison Richards

Johnny Edison Richards, 87, of Advance, was born Nov. 17, 1919 in Bollinger County, MO, the son of John E. and Emma M. Borders Richards and died Nov. 16, 2007 at the John J. Pershing VA Hospital in Poplar Bluff.

Johnny was a teacher for 33 years, a Veteran of the U.S. Army serving in WWII, a member of the DAV, a former member of the Advance VFW and a Master Mason at the Zalma Masonic Lodge.

Johnny and Rose Null were united in marriage on Feb. 18, 1949 at Piggot, Ark. and she survives of the home.

Other survivors include: two sons; Lynn Richards and Derek Richards of Advance, three daughters; Marilyn Kinworthy of Marion, Ill., Melody Loffland of Ft. Worth, Tex. and Dana Sullinger of Advance, two brothers; Clarence Richards of Olney, Ill. and Leemon Richards of St. Louis, three sisters; Effie Grisham and Bernice Wilson of St. Louis and Melva Phillips of Indianapolis, Ind., and eight grandchildren.

He was proceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.

Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19, 2007, at the Morgan Funeral Home in Advance.

Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007, at the Morgan Funeral Home in Advance with Rev. Kevin Eskew officiating.

Interment followed at the Balch Cemetery near Zalma with full military rites. Morgan Funeral Home of Advance was in charge of arrangements.