Aubrey Wayne Richards passed away peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the age of 78 in Paducah, Kentucky.
Wayne was born on November 5, 1946, to the late Albert Thomas Richards and Effie Oneta Rambo Richards in Ballard County, Kentucky.
As a young man, Wayne learned the value of hard work on the family farm, where he spent countless hours milking cows and tending to the land. His early experiences cultivated a lifelong passion for gardening, a hobby through which he found great joy and fulfillment. Wayne's expertly canned vegetables were famous among friends and family for their taste and quality, and his garden was the hub of his domestic life.
Wayne chose to serve his country in the U.S. Army stationed in Yokohama, Japan, during the Vietnam War. After his honorable military service, Wayne continued to contribute to the greater good as owner of Richards’ Meat Processing and later retired as a Federal Inspector for the USDA. Even in retirement, Wayne remained an active member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where he deepened his faith and found strength in the fellowship of his church community.
Those who knew Wayne will recall his gentle nature, his warmth, and the love he bestowed upon his family.
Wayne is survived by a daughter, Lori Hatton (Patrick) of Paducah; four grandchildren, Bart Hatton (Lea Ann), Baron Hatton, Nicholas Hatton (Mallory), and Andrew Hatton; twin great-grandchildren, Blair and Alice Hatton; two sisters, Faye Haney of Barlow, and Kaye Starks of Paducah; a special nephew, Billy Wayne Richards of Scottsburg, Indiana; his dog, KoKo; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold Richards and Gene Richards and his parents.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 12:00 pm on Monday, July 14, 2025, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with Rev. Gary Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the service hour of 12:00 pm on Monday, July 14, 2025, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the McCracken County Humane Society 4000 Coleman Rd. Paducah, KY 42001 or to The McGangsters C/O Jim Gatlin 203 North 8th. St. Paducah, KY 42001.
You may leave a message of sympathy and light a candle of remembrance at www.milnerandorr.com.
