Dec. 27, 1939 - Aug. 25, 2009

William E. "Bill" Richards, 69, of Lebanon died Tuesday at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis.

Bill was born in Birth Tree, Mo. He moved to Wilder, Idaho, in 1944 and came to Sweet Home in 1952. Bill graduated from Sweet Home High School in 1959 and worked nine years with the Forest Service. Bill moved to Albany in 1968 and worked as a janitor for Albany Union High School. He moved to Burns in 1974 and was a janitor with the Burns School District. He moved to the Lebanon area in 1982 and had worked 15 years as janitor with the Scio School District.

He was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America. Bill also belonged to the Rabbit Club and enjoyed raising rabbits. He liked fishing, hunting and gardening, and also enjoyed helping organize and attending his 50-year class reunion.

He is survived by his mother, Edna Richards, of Lebanon, and sister Joan Wade and husband Steven of Lebanon.

He was preceded in death by his father, William D. Richards.

Viewing will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at Huston-Jost Funeral Home. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, at the Lebanon IOOF Cemetery. Huston-Jost Funeral Home is handling arrangements.