Obituary of Claire Thomas Richards, Jr.

Please click the link below to view the service livestream:

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/9612274920

Claire was born in Paonia Colorado on November 3, 1929 and passed away in Meridian ID on January 26, 2023. He is proceeded in by his wife Vera and his two sisters; Norma and Dorothy. He is survived by one brother William of Lynwood, WA, two sons; Doug of Marietta, GA and Ron of Boise, ID, four grandkids; Hannah Roos of West Palm Beach, FL, Jesse of Meridian, ID, Josh of Boise, ID and Emma Gallagher of Marietta, GA,  and one great-granddaughter Stella Roos.

Claire grew up on a farm/ fruit orchard in Paonia, CO. He enjoyed singing in various choirs and playing in  band. He graduated from Northwest College in Kirkland, WA in 1951. This is where he met the love of his life, Vera Stevens, from Tonasket, Washington. They were married in 1951. He served as a Minister for over 50 years, of which, the last 27 years were at Cheney Community Church in Cheney, WA, plus over a half of a dozen churches in the Northwest. Also, for many years after that he continued to lead Senior Church Groups.

Claire and Vera were married for 71 years prior to her passing in May 2022. He made an incredible impact on many lives, whether it was when he was driving school bus for 38 years, working as a Chaplin for a Retirement Center in Spokane or at a Funeral Home in Spokane.

Claire and Vera moved to Meridian 2008, where they quickly got plugged into Treasure Valley Worship Center.  They enjoyed spending time with grand-kids and friends from Church as well as the Meridian Senior Center. They were always sharing the love in their hearts and finding opportunities to show how much they cared.

The motto Claire lived by was “only one life twill soon be past, only what is done for Christ will last”.

There will be a funeral service on February 4, 2023 at 10am at Summers Funeral Home located at 3629 East Ustick Road in Meridian, ID. Graveside will immediately follow at Meridian Cemetery and the Celebration of Life get together will be at the Meridian Senior Center located at 1920 N Records Way in Meridian, ID from 1-3pm.  There will be a live stream of the service available through Summers Funeral Home

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Cheney Community Church at 1307 3^rd Street, Cheney, WA 99004

Text ‘Give’ to 509-904-0200 and they get the link back. Toggle after general fund and choose Special Offering and put on the notes line Pastor Claire Richards