Dear Neighbors,
We are sad to report the passing of Lloyd Richards, a former resident of St. Alban Circle and River Forest Lane. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Lloyd Wayland Richards, Capt. USN, Retired
Lloyd Wayland Richards, Captain, USN, Retired passed away peacefully October 26, 2017 with his loving family by his side in Phoenix, Arizona. Lloyd was born in Tecumseh, Nebraska on March 1st, 1931 (St. David’s Day in Wales) to Lloyd R. and Esther (Rice) Richards. Growing up in Nebraska with younger brother Kenneth and sister Elizabeth, one would not expect that Lloyd W. would find a career in the US Navy.
Yet, while attending the University of Rochester, Lloyd became deeply involved with the USN ROTC, which sealed his career. There he met and married his first wife Joy E. Riefler, the mother of his four children; eldest son Jeffrey, daughters Holly, Tamara and Monica. Joy passed in 1971 and Lloyd married the love of his life, Leola White in 1972.
Lloyd's career in the Navy advanced rapidly as a pilot of both the A-3 Skywarrior and A-6A Intruder. During the Vietnam conflict, Lloyd deployed 7 times aboard USN Carriers, serving in Attack and Heavy Attack Squadrons; VA-215, VA-122, VAH-123, VAH-2, VA-128 and VA-196 earning the Bronze Star. In 1969, Lloyd was shot down and severely wounded over Laos, earning him a Purple Heart. Upon recovery, Lloyd returned to combat as the commanding officer of Attack Squadron VA-196. Returning to the States, Lloyd attended and completed an MS degree at the National War College in Washington DC, achieving the rank of Captain in the USN and serving at the Pentagon.
Upon retirement, Lloyd along with Leola sold real estate for 24 years in Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. His recreational interest was golf and lawn bowls.
Predeceasing Lloyd are his parents, his first wife Joy, his daughter Tamara and grandson, Jesiah Richards.
Surviving him are wife Leola, younger siblings Ken, Liz, his son and remaining daughters, 17 remaining grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.
Lloyd and Leola recently moved from Oak Harbor Washington to Sun City West Arizona where they are fortunate to have many friends.
Interment will occur at Arlington National Cemetery Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at 9 AM. If you’re planning on attending, meet at the Administration building prior to 8:15am. Cars will caravan to the gravesite.
Following the service, there will be an informal reception from 11am to 2pm at the Holiday Inn Arlington at Ballston (4610 Fairfax Dr. Arlington VA 22203, Phone 703-243-9800).
Refreshments will be available.
With questions or concerns please email Leola at, leola@richardsweb.com or call 360-632-8092.
Donations may be made in memorandum to the US Navy League or the Tailhook Association.