Frank Joseph Richards III departed this earthly life Sunday, December 10, 2023. He was born February 9, 1943, to Elizabeth and Frank Richards II, he grew up attending Rockford Public Schools and graduated from West High School.

Frank started his career in Architecture Engineering at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA Frank established an Architectural Engineering career at Larson and Darby and worked on many architectural projects and designs throughout the city of Rockford. Frank calibrated the lighting systems for Rockford Memorial Hospital parking lot traffic designs. The Historic Landmark Tebala Towers; Frank did the architectural design of the Tebala Shriner's Signage. The Metro Center is another landmark for which he was instrumental in the architectural development and design. Frank taught Mechanical Drawing at the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC).

Frank met the love of his life, April Joyce Franklin; they joined their union in August 1964. He welcomed his son, Frank J. Richards IV, and his daughter, Chereese C. Richards.

Frank was a devoted father who spent many years on that football field, supporting and coaching his son from the little leagues throughout high school. At every basketball game, his daughter could count on him to be sitting in the stands, looking on proudly with that big, beautiful smile. Frank loved his sports, and the Chicago Bears were his team.

Frank leaves to cherish two children: Frank (Kim) Richards IV and Chereese Richards Brown. Two siblings: Michele Caldwell and E. Nelson Richards. Four sister in-laws: Jeanette Walker, Arlanda Darkwa, Rhonda Franklin, and Cassandra Franklin. Two brother-in-laws: Ronnie (Monica) Franklin and Tony Beasley. Seven grandchildren: Shannon Leavy, Frank Richards V, Ashley (Tony) Washington, Chaterra Benton, Asia (Dawon) Sago, Devin Brown, and Tori Brown. Twelve great grandchildren: DeJour, LaRon, Kaleb, Keiden, Shannon, Elizmar, Alaysia, Tale'ya, Makhi, Tony Jr., Teyona, Manuel Jr. Two great-great grandchildren: Princeton and Peighton.

Frank was predeceased by his wife, April J. Richards, his parents, Elizabeth and Frank Richards, and his mother and father-in-law, Clotel and Leroy Franklin.

Frank will be deeply missed by his friends, family,
and all who knew him.

Memorial Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 23, 2023 at Hope Fellowship 1135 E. State Street.