Jerry Allen Richards, 59, of Iola, Kansas, died Thursday, February 3, 2011, at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Jerry was born September 10, 1951, in Iola, Kansas, the son of Kenneth L. and Evelyn L. (Ludlum) Richards. He grew up in Iola and graduated from Iola High School. Jerry joined the United States Navy and retired after serving 21 years. On November 17, 1978, Jerry married Pacita L. Lebausa at Okinawa, Japan. Following his retirement from the service in 1989, they made their home in Florida. In 1998, they moved to Iola. Jerry has worked for Gates Corporation for 18 years. He enjoyed fishing, repairing cars, working on houses and spending time with his family and friends. He had been a member of the American Legion in Chanute. SURVIVORS: His Wife: Pacita L. Richards of the home 5 Children: Kimberly Watkins of Jacksonville, FL, Anna Lissa Gootee of Lawrenceburg, KY, Jerry A. Rodriguez, Jr. of Green Cove Springs, FL, Steven M. Richards of Iola, KS and Joseph A. Richards of Jacksonville, FL 15 Grandchildren & 1 Great Granddaughter 7 Siblings: Juddy Smith of Humboldt, KS, Donna Sinclaire of Bristol, OK, Chris Richards of Iola, KS, Debby Andreas of Gas City, KS, Dennis Richards of Ulysses, TX, Brenda Briggs of Tulsa, OK and Missy Reeves of Chanute, KS He was preceded in death by his parents. VISITATION: 10:00-12:00 noon Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. Cremation will follow the visitation. Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com.