David Thomas Richards, 57, went to be with Jesus on January 4, 2026 at IU Health University Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was born on August 25, 1968, the day after his sister, Christy, celebrated her 4th birthday party. He was the youngest of four children born to John and Gail (Thomas) Richards.
Dave grew up learning to play many sports as the youngest child in his Tarry Park neighborhood, many of whom became lifelong friends. He loved turning everything into a sport and a competition of some sort. His father John was one of the many coaches that he learned from in the youth leagues of Mitchell. Dave was a 1986 graduate of Mitchell High School and was a member of the school’s basketball and baseball teams. He was the recipient of the prestigious Oral Dalton award for basketball both his junior and senior years at MHS. He attended Hanover College during his freshman year and was a member of the basketball team before transferring to University of Evansville and participating on the basketball team there. He graduated from U of E with a degree in electrical engineering. He was a civilian engineer and project director for the United States Navy at NWSC Crane from 1990 until his retirement in September of 2025.
Dave was very artistic and musical. He learned more than a few piano tunes from his sister Lee. He went on to write, compose and record several pieces of his own original music. He played guitar and drums in various bands including Myrllen’s Coat and The Housemarys with his brother Johnny. He enjoyed riding on dirt bikes and four wheelers with friends and the Hoosier Trail Riders (HTR). He loved the game of basketball, and was an avid NASCAR and auto racing fan. He also loved to watch for falling stars in the night sky.
His pride and joy were his two daughters, Madison Kay Richards and Abigail Lee Richards, and they survive. He is also survived by his father John Richards, his three siblings Lee (Brad) Purlee, Johnny Richards, and Christy (Hank) Wintczak. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins; Uncle Steve Thomas, Aunt Anita Thomas, and Aunt Linda Richards.
He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Gail Richards, a great nephew, a great niece, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 11, in the Memorial Chapel of Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center with Pastor Pam Tedrow officiating. Burial will be at Cresthaven Memory Gardens.
The family will receive friends from noon until the time of the service Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Christy Wintczak to go towards David’s daughters, or to Jacob Finger Methodist Church.
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