Ira Don Richards

Ira Don Richards, PhD, age 83, of Benton died Sunday, July 10, 2016 at his home. Don was born May 3, 1933 at his grandparents' house on Pine Street in Bauxite. While growing up in Benton he visited Bauxite often. Don attended Benton Public Schools, graduating in 1951. Upon graduation he attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and received his Bachelor of Science degree and also his Master of Arts degree. He received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in History from Tulane University in New Orleans in 1964. Doctor Richards was on the faculty of Henderson State University 1961-1995 and a lecturer, 1964, at Little Rock University, now U.A.L.R. Previously he taught history at Southeastern Louisiana University, 1960-61. Dr. Richards was an N.D.E.A. lecturer, University of Arkansas, 1965, a visiting Professor at Carlton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 1968 and 1973, and a visiting Professor at Tulane in 1975. Upon his retirement he and his wife, Dorothy enjoyed many happy and peaceful years at their farm in Saline County. Don was the son of Charles F. "Budge" Richards and Jewell Velma Green Richards of Benton and great grandson of William T. "Nickel Bill" and Mrs. James, pioneer settlers of Saline County and H.R. Green and Ada B. James Green of Bauxite. He was also the grandson of Lonzo and Jewell Sample Richards of Benton who lived next door to them. Survivors are his wife, Dorothy Anderson Richards of Benton; daughters, Donna Richards Viti of Port St. Lucie, Florida and Karen Richards Arnold of Littleton, Colorado; brother and sister-in-law, Dan & Sue Richards of Benton; nephew, Jason Richards of Texas; niece, Dana Owens of Texas, and brother-in-law, George Anderson of Tennessee. Don leaves several extended family members and a myriad of friends. A graveside memorial service will be held 10 a.m., Friday, July 15, 2016 at James Cemetery in Benton. Arrangements by Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (501-315-4047). The family recommends that memorials be made to the Humane Society of Saline County, P.O. Box 305, Benton, Ark. 72018. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.