Phillip Richards' Obituary
Phillip R. Richards, 79, of Vandalia, IL, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 30, 2026 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
Per Phil’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A Visitation and Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children or to an organization of the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be expressed at https://www.hohltandfilefh.com.
Phillip Raymond Richards was born on June 20, 1946, in Vandalia, Illinois, as one of eleven children of George W. and Sophia N. (Abendroth) Richards. He married Phyllis Irene Carroll on September 15, 1967, and they shared a marriage of 58 years, raising two children.
A proud veteran, Phil served in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1967. After his military service, he worked as a union painter with IUPAT District Council #58 and as a logger. His logging career began with R&S Clearing, then continued with Richards Wood Products, the family business, and later his own enterprise, Phillip Richards Logging. Despite his dedication to work, he enjoyed various hobbies. An outdoorsman, he loved hunting deer, turkey, and raccoons, and was passionate about mushroom hunting. He also enjoyed fishing, bowling, socializing at the local coffee shop, and in later years, coloring.
Phil was actively involved in his community, being a member of Augsburg Immanuel Lutheran Church, Vandalia Moose Lodge #1447, Crawford-Hale American Legion Post #95, and a former member of Vandalia Eagles Club #3901.
Mr. Richards is survived by his wife, Phyllis Richards of Vandalia; son, Paul Richards and wife Jana of Vandalia; daughter, Paula and husband Flip Gephart of Brownstown; siblings, Ruth and husband Tom Rigdon of Taylorville, Jack Richards and wife Judy of Shobonier, Virgil Richards and wife Diane of Vandalia, Joyce and husband Al Cohoon of Greenville, Donna Boggs of Vandalia; sisters-in-law, Wilma Richards of Shobonier and Penny Richards of Vandalia; grandchildren, Shane Gephart with Hollie Kemme, Ethan Gephart and wife Lacey, Myles Depew, Allyson and husband Gage Crabtree; great-grandchildren, Tilly and Ebbie Gephart, and River Crabtree; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, George Richards and wife Betty, Harold “Hoot” Richards, Nellie and husband Brad Elmore, Norma and husband Bob Hamlin, John Richards, an infant sister; and brother-in-law, Chuck Boggs.
What’s your fondest memory of Phillip?
What’s a lesson you learned from Phillip?
Share a story where Phillip's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Phillip you’ll never forget.
How did Phillip make you smile?
