Clarence “Tom” Richards

Clarence “Tom” Richards entered into eternal life on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. He was 91 years old.

Tom was born on April 17, 1932, in Milwaukee, Wis., to parents Clarence Joseph and Mary Edna (nee Kucinski) Richards.

He attended Boys Technical High School and was later deployed to Korea for the U.S. Army, not once but twice.

On Feb. 7, 1959, he was united in marriage with Gloryanne E. Chmiel at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church in Milwaukee. The couple lived in Oak Creek, Milwaukee and eventually settled in Port Washington in 1970.

Tom was a jack of all trades. He played with the Drum and Bugle Corps and learned to play guitar and trumpet at age 9.

At age 13, he started drawing on his mother’s kitchen table, and from there he developed an art hobby. This led to him becoming a professional sign painter for Universal and Derse Outdoor.

Tom played in various Dixie and jazz bands. He played at the Everly and Red Mill in Milwaukee. The band Tom played in was called The Hilltop Jazz Band. The band even recorded its own album in 1957.

Tom is survived by his children Jeff (Joanne) Richards of Las Vegas, Nev., Ken Richards of Port Washington, Phillip (Jan) Richards of Austin, Texas, Rob (Linda) Richards of Wauwatosa and Julie Richards of Port Washington. He is further survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his sister Marie Timmerman of Watertown, as well as many other family members and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Gloryanne and his brother Marv Richards.

Per Tom’s wishes, no services will be held.

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.