Paul A. Richert

RICHMOND, Ind. – Paul A. Richert, age 96, of Richmond, Indiana, died peacefully Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Arbor Trace Exceptional Senior Living. Paul was born on October 28, 1921, in York, Nebraska, to Samuel and Caroline Heiden Richert. He was raised during the great depression and served in WWII in the 78th Lightning Division during the Battle of the Bulge. Paul crossed the Remagen Bridge the first day of capture and barely escaped death on the day it collapsed. He was a past commander of American Legion Harry Ray Post #65, lifetime member of VFW Kirk-Little Post 1108, and proudly served on the Wayne County Honor Guard. Paul was a National Hand Cornhusking Champion. He married Katherine Cox on October 5, 1947, and they lived near Gresham, Nebraska, where they were Grade “A” dairy farmers as they started their family. In 1954, they moved to Richmond to purchase a Used Furniture and Auction Business located at 16th and Main Street. In 1964, they moved the auction house to 700 Sim Hodgin Parkway, the current home of the Richmond Furniture Outlet. The entire Richert family grew up working in the family auction business. Paul was an auctioneer for 72 years. He was a 50 year plus member of Richmond Noon Kiwanis Club where he was awarded their highest award, the Tablet of Honor. Paul conducted the Annual Kiwanis “Bid for the Kids” Auction for 54 years. Well into his 90s, Paul went to work every day at Richmond Furniture Gallery and was known as “the man who cleans the valley” on Sim Hodgin Parkway. Paul said his faith has guided him throughout the years. He was a former member of Trinity Lutheran Church for 50 years, and then was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Paul enjoyed spending time at the Richmond Senior Center and volunteering within the community. He was given the honorary commission of Kentucky Colonel. Survivors include his six children, Alvin (Cathy) Richert of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Mary Kay (John Newcome) Richert of Safety Harbor, Florida, Robert (Janis) Richert of Tucson, Arizona, Lyle (Pamela) Richert of Lafayette, Indiana, Roger (Theresa) Richert of Losantville, Indiana, and Michael (Vickie) Richert of Williamsburg, Indiana; 16 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Esther Ponte of Lincoln, Nebraska; nieces; nephews; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Katherine Richert, who died February 17, 2018; parents; sisters; and brothers. Visitation for Paul A Richert will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday, March 10, 2018, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. A Pass & Review by the VFW Kirk-Little Post 1108 will be at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, March 10, 2018, followed by the funeral service at Doan & Mills Funeral Home with Rev. Robert C. Meckley officiating. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery in the Veteran’s Field of Honor with military honors provided by the Wayne County Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to: American Legion Harry Ray Post 65, 109 North 6th Street, Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Paul A. Richert

October 28, 1921 - March 3, 2018