MATTAWAMKEAG – Austin M. “Spike” Richards, 72, husband of Gwen-dolyn “Dolly” (Tapley) Rich-ards, went to be with his Lord Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007, surrounded by family and friends at his home. Spike was born Feb. 26, 1935, in Packard Siding, the son of Cecil and Clara (Grondin) Richards. Spike graduated from Schenk High School in 1953. Upon graduation, he entered the Marine Corps, where he served for three years attaining the rank of corporal. He was a decorated veteran of the Korean War, receiving the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Spike worked for Great Northern Paper Co., for 35 years, retiring in 1987. He was a member of the Carpenters and Joiners Local 1612, where he served as vice president for two years. Spike served as Boy Scout Master of Troop No. 154 for 25 years and was a life member of the Lincoln Maine Marine Corp League 976, where he coordinated Toys for Tots for eight years. Spike is survived by his very special wife of 17 years, Gwendolyn “Dolly” Richards; children, Jeanne Noonan and her husband, Bob, Jeff and his wife, Linda, Joel and his wife, Michelle, Jerry and his wife, Donna, Matthew and his wife, Michelle, Lorna Tilton, Tammi Tilton and her life friend, Joe Frenette, Robert and Stephanie Dundas, and Denise and Jeff Day. He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, Michael Daniel, Zachary, Jazmin, Jodi, Taylor, Chandler, Justin, Jessi Rae, Bayleigh, Brittany, Demi, Tori, Bryce, Avari and Savanna; siblings, Johnny Richards and his wife, Denise, Dolly Coon, Don Richards and his wife, Sharon, and Dale Marie Naakins and her husband, Jimmy. He will be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, friends; and a special brother-in-law, Leon Markie. He was predeceased by his parents; a wife, Sandra (Cahill) Richards; a son, Frederick; a brother, Harold; three sisters, Jeanette, Priscilla and Evelyn “Tootie.” Friends may call 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at Mattawamkeag Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday at the church with the Rev. Steve McNally officiating. Interment will be at Mattawamkeag Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Toys for Tots, P.O. Box 762, Lincoln, ME 04457. Marine Corps League 976 may be contacted care of Ray Fogg 736-3032 or usmcl52@yahoo.com. A reception will be held at the Mattawamkeag Municipal Building after the service at the cemetery. Arrangements with Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln. For an online register book, please visit www.clayfuneralhome.com
AUSTIN ‘SPIKE’ RICHARDS
