Richard LeRoy Richards

Richard L. “Rich” Richards of Cozad passed away Thursday, August 24, 2023 at Great Plains Hospital in North Platte at the age of 76. Richard was born May 19, 1947 in Lexington, Nebraska to Richard R. “Dick” and Mary Ella (Keller) Richards. He was third of four children. After attending Cozad Schools, he began working alongside his dad at Paulsen, Inc. Richard spent his life in the Cozad area and worked many jobs including a meat packing plant, hay mills, washing trucks for Hood and Sons, and again at Paulsen, Inc. where he later retired.

Richard was a friend to everyone. He loved gathering together with family and friends for holidays, birthdays, and barbeques. He especially enjoyed socializing, drinking beer and eating bull fries on special occasions. Richard spent his free time working on the farm fixing tractors, cars, planting a garden and raising animals. Richard was generous to a fault and would do anything for his family and friends.

Richard had a few special women he cared for in his younger years, but never married or had any biological children. He however was blessed with a group of children he cared for like they were his own. 

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Bob Richards, Bonnie Semler and William “Bill” Richards; best friend and brother by choice, William “Bill” Kostman Sr.; child by choice, William “Tuffy” Kostman Jr.; niece, Willa Mae Kostman Yeutter and nephew Willy Richards.

Richard is survived by his children by choice, Billie (Tim) Land of Cozad, Bobbie (Moy) Samayoa of Lexington, Angel Poore of Kearney, Anina Kostman (Trevor Yeutter), Luke Kostman (Heather Wilson), and Kent Kostman, all of Cozad; sister in law, Norma Richards of Cozad; and many nieces, nephews, and his beloved fur baby Tiny.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 1, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Kathy Gundell officiating. Burial will follow at Cozad Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be Thursday, August 31, 2023 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home.