Kenneth Delmar Richards

Age 69 and a lifelong resident of Wilmington, Illinois, died Sunday, August 11, 2024 at Silver Cross Medical Center in New Lenox, Illinois.

Born in Joliet, Illinois, on January 11, 1955, Kenneth was a son of Dr. Gordon Delmar, Sr. and Evelyn Sophia (Tanck) Richards. Raised in Wilmington, he graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1974. Kenneth dedicated 36 years of his professional life to Stepan Chemical, where he spent the majority of his career as a maintenance mechanic and later a boiler operator until his retirement.

Kenneth was known for his exceptional ability to tackle any task. A true Mr. Fix-it, he was always the go-to person for family and friends needing a handyman. In his leisure time, he found joy in assembling model airplanes and had a passion for trains, reflecting his meticulous and thoughtful nature.

Kenneth’s strong work ethic and sense of humor left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He took great pride in his family, from the early days of being a son of the community’s respected physician to celebrating the successes of his own children. His dedication to family and his unwavering support made a significant impact on those around him. Kenneth’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Survivors include his children: Naithan (Jennifer) Richards, Kenneth L. Richards, Kenda Rochnowski, Terry Grimes and John Grimes; nephew, Gordon Richards; nieces: Brandy (Brian) VanDuyne and Toni Tranfa, and his former wife and the mother of his children, Debra Conroy.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Gordon Delmar Richards and Richard Richards and one sister, Lena Tanck.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Thursday, August 15, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow Friday morning, August 16, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home, and burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Wilmington, where Kenneth will be buried in the Richards and Tanck family lot.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Kenneth’s memory to the American Diabetes Association.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Kenneth’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)