Frank Abraham Richards

February 19, 1921 - August 9, 2018

Mr. Frank Abraham Richards passed away surrounded by his loving family as the Lord called this “mountain of a man” home on August 9th at St. James Healthcare in Butte, MT. Frank stayed on this earth only 10 days after his beloved wife Sharlot entered the lord’s house as he could not bear to be without her. The miracle of everlasting love was present in this wonderful union that spanned over 75 years. While his family mourns the loss of this incredibly strong man, we know that Frank is right where he wanted to be, with Sharlot. Frank was born February 19, 1921 in Butte America to Emil and Mary (Matter) Richards. Frank grew up on East Galena Street which he commonly referred to as the “rough part of Butte” or “the cabbage patch.” By the age of 12, Frank had lost both of his parents, making him an orphan. Frank and his younger sister Margaret were sent to live in the orphanage in Helena, MT. In October of 1935, an earthquake damaged the orphanage and Frank’s brothers (Darwin and Bart) took custody of him at age 14 and brought him back to Butte. The next years, if not decades of his life were anything except easy. Frank took to selling newspapers at the corner of Park and Main and would normally have a physical altercation daily to hold that street corner. When Frank wasn’t selling newspapers he was in the rail yards retrieving ice from railcars to sell in the infamous red light district. Frank graduated from Butte High School in 1941. During his senior year of high school he met his beloved wife Sharlot after she offered him some cookies she had made in home economics class. After graduating high school, Frank went to work for the Anaconda Copper Mining Company. He held many jobs including laborer, mucker, worked the skips, station tender and underground train operator at the Mountain Con, Belmont and Leonard Mines. Frank could go on for days telling stories of the Butte mines and the hardships that he witnessed in color while most of us only have seen it in black and white. Frank eloped with Sharlot J. Raymond, the love of his life in Butte, on a very cold and wintery night on January 6, 1943. He was quickly drafted into the United States Army in 1944 and served in the 1st infantry in Lawton, Oklahoma. During his stint in the military Frank gained vast knowledge of mechanics from working on battle tanks. The skills learned during these years would serve him greatly throughout the rest of his life. After returning home from service, Frank and Sharlot found their way out of Butte and settled a short distance away near Glen, MT on the Big Hole River. For the next 57 years they etched out a love story unheard of in today’s generations. While Sharlot ran the home front, Frank worked with his hands, head, and heart to create a ranch that he was immensely proud of. Year after year he grew his cattle herd and acquired more property. Every morning Frank rose before the sun and came home after the sun was set. Sharlot often commented with laughter that Frank being gone all day working probably had something to do with them being able to stay married for 75 years! Frank was shrewd and as strong as the day was long, which earned him much respect. Frank was very proud of his Syrian (Lebanese) heritage. He was a longtime member of the Lebanese Peace Society in Butte. He held many fond memories of this time spent with lifelong friends. After 57 years of living a story book life on a beautiful ranch in Southwest Montana, older age found Frank and Sharlot moving back to Butte where it all began. They settled in at a lovely cottage at the Waterford. Over this 20 year period, Frank and Sharlot continued to spread their love and greatness to family and friends. Frank would constantly comment that all he did all day was sit in a chair and old age was rough. Sharlot on the other hand would joke and say all the people at the Waterford were “old” and would give you that sweet laugh that we so miss. Frank and Sharlot greeted everyone that walked through their front door with humor and love. Frank always had the Arak in the freezer and enjoyed sharing a shot with his favorite visitors. It was a beautiful life that their family and friends were able to share with them in their retirement years in Butte. Frank was often found sunning himself in his wheel chair on the front or back porch while Sharlot would be tending to her flowers, making cookies, or a cake which Frank loved. Sharlot always ensured that Frank was well cared for. Frank was the Richards’ family rock and the family feels the pain and emptiness that will never be filled. Frank’s strength and determination in life will always be remembered and admired. This world will never have another man with the character and fortitude of Frank Richards. He is preceded in death by his wife of 75 years, Sharlot Richards, his parents, his mother and father-in-law Arthur and Bertha Raymond, his son Raymond Richards, his brothers, Bart (Maxine) Richards, Darwin (Evern) Richards and sister Margaret (Mike) Minnehan. Sister-in-law Betty (Larry) Coffey and brothers-in-law Dick Raymond (Betty Raymond) and Don (Peggy) Raymond. He is survived by his children, Bob (Judy) Richards, Mary (Francis) Lucon, and David (Mitzi) Richards; his grandchildren, Angie (Paul) Quilici, Marissa (Ryan) Wood, Justin Richards, Benjamin (Carrie) Lucon, Peter (Janice) Lucon, and Joseph (Hilary) Lucon, his great-grandchildren include: Taryn and Brityn Wood, Nolan, Brody and Ryatt Richards, Sophia and Logan Lucon, Helen, Alice and George Lucon, Paisley Lucon (on her way) and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and thanks for the loving care provided by his personal care nurses (Nina, Kim, and Jeanna) who provided thoughtful and warm support over the past several years. In lieu of flowers or memorials, donations can be made to the Proactive Living Facility (https://proactivelivingfacility.org/) or to charity of choice.