LOVELACEVILLE — Gene Richards, 68, of Lovelaceville, passed away 4:09 a.m. Tuesday, December, 25, 2012, at his residence.

He was a born-again Christian, and a United States Army veteran where he received the Purple Heart. He was a retired inspector for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and a lifelong farmer.

He is survived by his two sons, Randall “Randy” Richards of Kevil and Bo Richards of Kevil; two brothers, Harold Richards and wife Dorothy of Austin Ind., and Wayne Richards of Lone Oak; two sisters, Faye Oldham Haney and husband Ronnie of Barlow and Kaye Richards of Paducah; two grandsons, Christian Warren and Mackenzie Richards; two granddaughters, Danielle Richards Matthews and Bella Renee Richards; great-grandchildren, Chasity Mathews and Gordon Mathews; nine nieces and nephews; his mother, Oneta Rambo Richards, and longtime friend, Ellie Camenisch Felts of Stanford, Ky.

He was preceded in death by his father, Albert “Tommy” Richards.

Funeral services for Mr. Richards will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 29, 2012, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Larry Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, December, 28, 2012, and continue Saturday, December 29, 2012, at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3140 Parisa Drive, Paducah, KY 42003, or to the Disabled American Veterans, 1133 Murray Avenue, Paducah, KY 42003.

You may leave a message of condolences or light a candle on line at www.milnerandorr.com