Francis Lewis “Frank” Richards of Edgecomb and Phoenix, Arizona passed away on Nov. 18, 2018.

He was born in Somerville, Massachusetts on April 4, 1933. He was a Korean War veteran and while serving in the military met, Katherine Supon, who would become his wife of 48 years.

When he returned to Maine, he worked as manager of the Reny’s dept. store in Damariscotta, became a part-time deputy with Lincoln Sheriff’s Dept. and helped his father fish for lobster. He then became a newspaper typesetter at the Coastal Journal and then at the Kennebec Journal. He worked there for 25 years retiring at 59. He later worked for Cahill Tire in Edgecomb.

Even with working full time, he was an active volunteer with the town fire department and later with the Wiscasset Ambulance Service. He was one of the founding members and one the first instructors there. He remained a deputy, serving as an on-call jailer and later riding patrol.

Frank was a great lover of animals of all kinds. He and his brothers grew up on a small farm and had every crazy pet imaginable. He worked evenings, and in the summer, cut hay to feed the cows and horses. There was always a dog in his life. He faithful canine companion, Jaime, passed on Nov. 19 from complications of DM. Their ashes will be interned together at the Bristol Cemetery in the spring of 2019.

Frank was predeceased by his parents, Atwood and Margaret Richards; his wife, Katherine C. Richards, nee Supon; his sisters, Dorothy Lordan and Marilyn Lee.

He is survived by his sons, Danver Richards and Jeffry Richards; his daughter, Angela Richards; his grandchildren, Tyler B. Richards and his wife Harley and their son, Gideon; granddaughter, Danielle Richards; sister, Margaret Puddister; and many cousins, nieces and nephews throughout New England who retain fond members of their Uncle Frank.

A memorial service will be held in the spring at the Bristol Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Midcoast Animal Shelter or the American Kidney Fund.