Homer K. Richards, 82, died at 6:40 p.m. Friday, Dec. 25, 2009, at his residence.

Born Nov. 27, 1927, in Bellevue, to Earl and Leona Kress Richards, he married Eleanor “June” Lehr June 10, 1952, in Pocahontas, Ark.  She survives.

Also surviving are their seven children, Terry G. (Norma) Richards of Peoria Heights, Larry D. (Pamela) Richards of Bartonville, Randy K. (Nancy) Richards of East Peoria, Brenda Lee Richards of East Peoria, Michael W. Richards of Creve Coeur, Denise I. (Jeremy) Dalton of Elmwood, and Roger A. Richards of East Peoria; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters.

He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran, serving during World War II.

He worked at Caterpillar Inc in the machine shop for 30 years before his retirement in 1980.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 983 in East Peoria.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, at Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory in East Peoria. The Rev. Fr. Ken Marchulones will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29 at the funeral home in East Peoria. Burial will be at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria, where military rites will be accorded by the Tazewell Military Rites Team and the US Air Force.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

His Web site will be available at www.deitersfuneralhome.com, where condolences may be made to the family.