Samuel Richards, Jr. – Colonel, United States Marine Corps

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From a contemporary press report:

Samuel Richards Jr., 80, of Midland, a retired Marine fighter pilot and life insurance salesman who was active in Virginia horse sports, died February 19, 2001, of cancer at Warrenton Overlook Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Colonel Richards, who lived on a farm in Midland since 1969 after a long career in the Marines, was master of foxhounds for the Casanova Hunt from 1972 to 1992. He also was active in the Virginia Gold Cup steeplechase race, and he bred and raced thoroughbred horses.

Colonel Richards, who was born and raised in Arkansas, received his officer’s commission in 1942. He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II and flew fighter planes in the Korean War. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland in 1942. In 1964, he moved to Nokesville, where he lived until 1969 while stationed at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, first as a student and then as an instructor.

He received a master’s degree in business administration from George Washington University in 1965. After retiring from the Marines and moving to Fauquier County in 1969 to sell life insurance, he was active in a variety of civic and social clubs. He served as president of the Fauquier Club and was a commander of a Warrenton Veterans of Foreign Wars post.

His marriage to Maxey Richards ended in divorce.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Martha McRae Richards of Midland; a son from his first marriage, Steven Richards of Costa Mesa, Calif.; a daughter from his first marriage, Pamela Fauveau of France; and three grandchildren.

A son from his second marriage, John Claybrook Richards, died in 1986.

RICHARDS, SAMUEL, JR., Col., USMC (Ret.)

On February 19, 2001, of Midland, VA, beloved husband of Martha McRae Richards; father of Steven Richards, Pamela Fauveau and the late John Claybrook Richards. Also survived by three grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 6, at 11 a.m. at Fort Myer Chapel. Interment in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Anglican Church, 95 Green St., Warrenton, VA 20186, or to Hospice Support of Fauquier, 42 N. Fifth St., Warrenton, VA 20186.

RICHARDS, SAMUEL JR

  • COL   US MARINE CORPS
  • WORLD WAR II, KOREA, VIETNAM
  • DATE OF BIRTH: 12/20/1920
  • DATE OF DEATH: 02/19/2001
  • BURIED AT: SECTION 66  SITE 6317
  • ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

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