Kenneth James Richards

Richards, Kenneth James - HMCS(SW) USN(Ret) 59, of Norfolk, VA passed away on Tuesday, February 19, 2025, after his 5-year battle with Leukemia.

Born in Hammond, IN, Ken attended OLPH AZ 79 and was a graduate of Gerard Catholic High School AZ 83. A lifelong learner, Ken earned his M.S., in Information Systems in 2017.  Ken served six WESTPACs, on three ships (USS RANGER, USS KINKAID, and USS NASSAU), as an Independent Duty Corpsman. He was awarded a NAVY & MARINE CORPS COMMENDATION MEDAL (2 Stars), a NAVY & MARINE CORPS ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL (3 Stars), and many other awards retiring after 26 years HONORABLY. Ken remained active in retirement as a member of the Veterans Affairs Advisory Commission for the City of Norfolk and was active in his local civic league, and Federation of Civic Leagues. Over the past few years, Ken worked as a Senior Business Systems Analyst at Operation Smile combining his two passions, computers and healthcare, and sharing his wealth of knowledge with the greater community.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his father, James William Richards.

He is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Diane Richards; mother, Mary Sue Richards; sister, Karen Shikany; brother, Keith Richards (Lyneva Tanner); nephews, Nicholas Shikany (Cheyenne), and Cody Shikany (Casey); niece, Jaisi Ratliff; great nieces, Paisley, Olivia, and Thoralee; and great nephew, Brokk.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – www.lls.org, Operation Smile - www.operationsmile.org, or a charity of your choice. Services to be announced at a later date. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.