David Cory Richards, 75, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, September 6, 2018, after a long battle with cancer.

David was born with the name of Michael David Winkler, the son of Mary Alice Winkler, on October 21, 1942. He was adopted in 1944 by Arthur and Martha Jane Richards of Lebanon, Indiana. He was a 1960 graduate of Lebanon High School. David then enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served until 1963.

At age 16, David began his long career in the grocery business, eventually becoming a meat cutter. His first job was at Tanselle's Market, Lebanon, where he returned upon his Honorable Discharge from the Navy. He worked at Tanselle's Market for 30 years and regarded Ed and Madge Tanselle as his surrogate parents. David believed that his co-workers and customers anchored his career with their friendships and stories.

After Tanselle's Market closed, David found another work family at Dugdale Beef Company, a meat and seafood wholesale distributor. He was a production manager and fresh seafood buyer until his retirement in 2008.

After retirement, David renewed his enjoyment of meeting and serving people by driving for Boone County Senior Services. He was an active member of Otterbien United Methodist Church. He also had been a member of Lebanon Kiwanis and was named Member of the Year in 1989-1990. Other memberships included Ulen Country Club,  Jaycees, Lebanon Parks Department Board and Boone County 4-H Fair Board.

David was a loyal fan of the Chicago Cubs for many years. He also followed Purdue, Butler and Indiana University Basketball.

On July 7, 1984, David married Karen Coleman Coons; and this past July, 2018, the couple celebrated their 34 ^th wedding anniversary. Previously, he was married to Ann Hedge.

David is survived by his wife, Karen Coleman Coons Richards, a daughter, Whitney Elaine Coons, sister, Carol Stephens (Bill Sherry), Niece, Mary Beth (Jerry) Rolfson, great nephews, Matthew, Erik, and Kyle Rolfson, great niece, Tessa Rolfson and special cousins, Leah (Bob) Shanahan, Linda (Voris) Straw and several extended family members as well as many dear and close friends. Preceded in death were in-laws, E.J. and Marjorie Coleman.

Family and friends will gather Thur., Sep. 13, 2018, for visitation from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and a memorial service will take place Fri., Sep. 14, 2018, at 1 p.m. with Arch Hawkins officiating in the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. Inurnment with military honors will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon. You are invited to visit the website www.strawmyerdrury.com where you may sign his online register and leave a personal message.

Flowers are welcome. Contributions may be sent to the Boone County Senior Services, Oak Hill Cemetery Foundation and Otterbien United Methodist Church.