Chris Richards

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Christopher Lee Richards, aged 45 -- a loving husband, father, and friend to all who shared in his life. Chris passed away the morning of December 12, 2019, from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Chris was born on September 28, 1974, at Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Illinois. He was a lifelong learner, and a passionate leader in education. As early as his first day of kindergarten, he found himself destined to be in the principal's office. Serving in his eighth year as the principal of Black Hawk Elementary School in Burlington, Iowa, Chris was greatly admired by both colleagues and students for his generosity with his time and resources and for his selflessness, a TRUE GRAYHOUND! Despite his strict "no whining" rule, he cared sincerely and unconditionally for others -- for his students, upon each of whom he bestowed a nickname; for his friends and colleagues, whose problems he helped tackle with unwavering optimism; and for his family, who will never truly be able to express how much they knew he loved them. Chris received his bachelor's degree in elementary education from Buena Vista University in Storm...[more]

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ke, Iowa, and his master's degree in educational administration from the University of La Verne in La Verne, California. He married his wife, Melissa, on April 6, 2002, in Palm Desert, California. In traveling the world, Chris and Melissa discovered a profound love for Egypt, and an even more profound appetite in Greece. Chris and Melissa's zeal for education, Halloween, and a mostly common taste in music helped bring them together, even when they didn't always agree on every song for the family playlist. Chris was an inspiration to his daughter, Rhapsody. Chris shared with her his passion for the Iowa Hawkeyes, as they attended nearly every home game their team played at Kinnick Stadium. One of Chris' dreams for Rhapsody was for her to visit every Big Ten stadium by her high school graduation, a goal that will still be fulfilled. Chris was a huge Disney fan and has the pictures with Buzz Lightyear and Mickey to prove it. Trips to Disneyland became the norm every year, which created endless adventurous and fun-loving memories for Chris's daughter and nieces and nephews. Chris lived for others, and the indelible spirit by which he lived served as an example for the community he led and respected dearly. He would be so thankful for the community's outpouring of love and support that has been given to his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Melissa; his daughter, Rhapsody; his parents, Dr. Stephen and Janice Richards; his sister and her husband, Alison and Travis Watson, and their children Kyle and Jack; his parents-in-law, Michael and Mary Ann Binn; and his brother-in-law and his wife, Michael and Terian Binn, and their children Mikey, Chloe, Gilbert, and Brittany. Chris is preceded in death by his beloved uncle, Dr. Thomas Richards, and grandparents Dwane and Helen Richards and Ralph and Dorothy Miller. A service will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at 1:00 pm in the Burlington High School Gymnasium. In lieu of flowers, the family of Principal Richards invites contributions in his name to the University of Iowa Children's Hospital, or to the Principal Chris Richards Scholarship Education Fund. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com