Thomas Lee Richards, age 76 of Shawano, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2013 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 12, 1936 in Argonne, he was the son of the late George and Helen (House) Richards. In 1955 Tom enlisted with the United States Navy and served his country for four years aboard an aircraft carrier. On June 10, 1961 he was united in marriage to Betty Splitgerber at the St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano. Tom worked for the Maple Lane Health Care Facility in the Town of Belle Plaine for 25 years. He also drove school bus in Shawano for 19 years. In his free time he enjoyed raising beef cattle, bird watching, gardening, and tending to his apple orchard. Tom is survived by: his wife of 52 years, Betty; 4 daughters, Nancy Richards of Shawano, Rhonda (fiancé, Keith Mietus) Richards of Sobieski, Peggy (Dan) Kugel of River Falls, Jenny (Jeff) Hilliker of Shawano; 7 grandchildren, Caleb, Isaac and Halle Hopfensperger, Devin and Brinley Kugel, Bryce and Kiana Hilliker; a brother, Donald Richards; 5 sisters, Betty Cochran, Arlene Eul, Margaret Lukavich, Alice Pritzl, Mary Misfeldt; and many nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by: a daughter, Marsha Hopfensperger; his parents; 4 brothers, Leo, James, Francis and twin brother, Theodore; and 2 sisters, Agnes Dillenburg and Rita Singer. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Monday, July 15, 2013 at the St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano with the Rev. Roland Golz officiating. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Shawano with Military Rites conducted by the Shawano American Legion Post #117. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 9:30am until the time of the service. Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano is assisting the family with the arrangements. www.swedbergfuneralhome.com