In Loving Memory
1950•2026
“ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
John Earnest Richards, known to everyone as Earnie, passed away on 05/20/2026 in West Jordan, Utah, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on October 9, 1950, in Kansas City, Missouri to Marrion Poynor. Raised in Salt Lake City by Claude and Alice Poynor (grandparents).
Earnie attended South High School and built a long career in transportation, working at Industrial Steel before joining Consolidated Freightways in 1977 and later Yellow Freight. He retired in 2005 after decades of hard work and commitment. On April 12, 1975, he married the love of his life, Evie, and together they built a family that meant everything to him.
One of the most defining chapters of Earnie’s life was his membership in Alcoholics Anonymous, where he remained in good standing for over 40 years. AA became a third family to him, and he devoted himself to mentoring and supporting countless men and women along the way. His dedication to his AA community touched more lives than he probably even realized.
Earnie will be remembered for his giving spirit and his unwavering support of his children and grandchildren. He showed up for the people he loved, plain and simple.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Evie Richards of over 50 years; his daughter, Kellie Anderson(Brian); His sister Susan Yoshinaga(Ed), brother David Richards(Janice), grandchildren Hailey, Austin, Alonso, and Adan; his Poynor Family, Hardy Family and AA family.
He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Stacey, his first grandchild Kylee, his sister Reeda, and many family members.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy, Utah). A visitation will be held Friday, June 19, from 6:00-8:00 PM and Saturday, June 20 from 10:00-10:50 AM at Larkin Sunset Gardens. In true Earnie fashion, the family asks that attendees please dress in University of Utah gear to honor his favorite team.
The family wishes to thank the many nurses and doctors who treated Earnie over the years, with special gratitude to Sheila Rathke, who so selflessly donated a kidney to Earnie and helped prolong his life. The family will be forever grateful for the extra time we were granted because of Sheila’s selfless gift.
To view Earnie's service online via Zoom, please click the blue tab above that says "Watch Services".
I’m so happy Earnie is sharing this time with his daughter. Death leaves us in sadness, wishing we could see them just one more time. Evie you are such a sweet angel who will have continued visits from your hunie.. watch for the signs, Earnie will leave them letting you know he’s watching over you. I pray for your heart, I pray you always feel his love. That will never die!! Love you so much my beautiful friend!!
My heart goes out to you at this time. You have been courageous, patient, and forgiving. Hope you know we all love you very much.
Love you Evie
Joy
Oh death where is your sting? Oh grave where is your victory……But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:55
❤️❤️
Love you guys. Rest easy Uncle Earnie
Uncle Earnie, you were a man of true valor, you faced so many treacherous hardships in your lifetime and you always made a conscious effort to make something meaningful out of something unimaginably heartbreaking, never letting your benevolence slip away. I am grateful to be your nephew, it has truly been an honor to know you. Thank you for your generosity, courage, love and most of all thank you for being part of my family. You are missed more than anything and I am grateful that you finally have the peace you are so deserving of and you are free to be with Stacey and Kylee. Dear Evie, Kellie, Brian, Hailey, Alonso, Adan & Austin, you all mean the world to me and I love you all more than anything.
We have been friends since 1973. You were a brother to me , and a great friend. You always had my back no matter what. Both you and Evie have been there for me. We were both Best men at both of our weddings, what a great honor. This is just a short good bye until we can once again see each other and be with our families. I will always remember our friendship forever. May God bless your family. Again thanks for your friendship and care. Love your friend always Dale.
My prayers go out to your wonderful wife Evie and your family at this time.
I hope the golf courses are open, the coffee is strong, and nobody’s playing too slow in front of you. Never to be forgotten! Until we meet again. Love you Uncle.
I will miss Earnie very much and I know I will see him again at the big AA meeting in heaven, along with so many other outstanding members
A few kind words can mean a great deal to the family in the days ahead.
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