Rapid City – William "Bill" E. Richards, 78, died Friday, July 26, 2019 at the Rapid City Regional Home Health Plus Hospice House.

William Elroy Richards was born December 13, 1940 at Blunt, SD to Roland and Vivian (Hall) Richards. They lived on a farm 35 miles southeast of Pierre until 1955. They sold the farm and moved to Pierre. Bill graduated from Pierre Riggs High School in 1960. He worked on the Oahe Dam. In November of 1963 he joined the United States Army. He worked for the State Highway Department where he met Karen Heinzen, his future wife. They were married in 1967 in Seneca, SD. They moved to Rapid City and Bill attended National College of Business. In January of 1969, Bill became the manager of the automotive department at Sears. He retired from Sears after 34 years. Also, during this time Bill and Karen enjoyed many years of square dancing. Bill and Karen have two children, Krista and Shad. Bill enjoyed attending their many activities and sporting events.

Bill is survived by his wife: Karen of 52 years; two children: Krista (Jeff) and Shad (Liz); and two grandsons: Samuel and Adam.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and sister Maxine (Edwin) Chard.

He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church and the Knights of Columbus.

A Memorial has been established by the family.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Tuesday, July 30 at Blessed Sacrament Church with a Vigil and Recital of the Rosary at 7:00 pm.

Christian Funeral Mass will be 10:00 am Wednesday at the church.

Burial at 1:00 pm at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with full military honors with Rushmore VFW Post #1273 and South Dakota Army National Guard Honor Team.

Arrangements by Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.