Jewell Ray Richards, 83, a former Michigantown, IN. resident, died November 26, 2021 in East Lansing, MI. He was born July 4, 1938 in Michigantown to Cyrus Joseph & June Della (Cox) Richards. He married Georgia Benge on August 25, 1957 in the Country Chapel Church, Michigantown, IN.
Jewell was a 1956 graduate of Michigantown High School. After graduation and marriage, he and his wife resided in the Frankfort area for several years where he attended Purdue University, worked at Alcoa and started his family. Jewell embarked on an insurance career with Safe
co Insurance, SECURA Insurance Co, ASU Group and eventually retiring from State Auto Insurance Co. Jewell’s career relocated the family to South Bend, IN for 8 years before transferring to Williamston, MI where he resided for 40 years prior to retirement and moving to Winter Haven, FL. Faith and the church community was always important to Jewell and his family. He was actively engaged in the church throughout his life wherever the family resided.
Jewell and Georgia were married for 64 years. He is survived by his wife Georgia and four sons, John (Julia) Richards of Carmel, IN, Paul (Debbie) Richards of Haslett, MI, Mark (Melanie) Richards of Charlotte, MI and Stephen (Maryanne) Richards of Carmel, IN. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Mary (Scott), Seth, Austin (Ashlee), Alyssa (Justin), Spencer and Clay; three great-grandchildren Georgia, James and Bexley.
He was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers, Maurice, Doyal, William, James and Joseph Lee.
Funeral Services:
A Celebration of Life is planned for 6 p.m. December 17, 2021 at Williamston Free Methodist Church, 4400 N. Williamston Rd., Williamston, MI 48895. For services in Indiana, visitation will be 10-11 a.m. December 27, 2021 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort, IN 46041. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Whiteman Cemetery, Michigantown IN. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be to Country Chapel Church, Williamston Free Methodist Church or the American Heart Association. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com, where you may leave a message for the family.