Benson Leroy Richards, Sr., 58 of Waldorf, MD died on November 27, 2009 at Civista Medical Center, La Plata, MD. Born on January 10, 1951 in Brandywine, MD, he was the son of the late James Elmer and Bernise Estelle DeMarr Richards.

Mr. Richards was a Dump Truck Driver for Jimmy Richards & Sons Excavating. He also served in the U.S. Army. His enjoyments were fishing, hunting, farming on Windy Knolls, and country music. Some of his favorite artists were Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Sr., and Patsy Cline.

Survived by his wife of almost 34 years whom he married on December 13, 1975, Debra Ann Hyde Richards. Also survived by sons, William J. Richards and wife, Rachel Brown and Benson L. Richards, Jr., and wife, Amanda Burley, his siblings, Dorothy Vest, Martha Hall and husband, Roger Perner, James Richards, Jr. and wife, Shirley, and two grandchildren, Zachary Benson Richards and Kyle Burley.

Predeceased by his sister, Shirley Richards King, and a brother, Albert Henry Richards.

Family will receive friends to Celebrate Benson's Life on Thursday, December 3, 2009 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Rd., Charlotte Hall, MD where Funeral Service will be held at 7 p.m. with Pastor Randy Stacks officiating. Interment will be held on Friday, December 4, 2009 at 10 a.m. at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.

Serving as pallbearers will be: Wayne Cross, Tom Hallman, Spencer Kohlieber, Jimmy Richards, III, Louis and Raymond Vest. Honorary pallbearer will be Earl Richards.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Civista Medical Foundation, 701 Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A.