Leo Richards of Ypsilanti, Michigan, age 79, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the Villa at Willow Place in Ypsilanti. He was born February 11, 1947, in Ann Arbor, the son of Royal Lewis “Louie” Richards Sr. and Lavon (Suman) Riplow.
Leo graduated from Pioneer High School in 1965. He served in the US Army from 1968 until 1971. He was a field mechanic, serving in Viet Nam. Leo was a self-employed scrapper and volunteered at the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor. He loved fishing. Leo was a very caring person who helped anybody that he could. He was the life of the party, with a joke and a smile ready to cheer you up.
Leo is survived by his brother, Eugene (Diane) Richards of Alabama; sister, Carol (Bruce Schaible) Hagen of Ypsilanti; niece, Teresa Richards of Marshall; He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Jerry Richards, Danny Richards, and Royal “Roy” Richards Jr.
Burial will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta. Memorial contributions may be made to a local Veterans group or the American Cancer Society.
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