Daniel Hiram Richards

Daniel Hiram Richards, 74 years old of Mandeville, sadly left us on February 4, 2024. He passed away at home surrounded by his family and beloved cat Farkus. He was born and raised in New Orleans to Percy “Dick” and Doris Richards. Dan is survived by his wife Karen Hotard Richards and his children Cheri Shields (Frank), Randy Richards (Denise), Daniel Richards, Caitlin Richards Heger (Sean). He leaves behind his four beloved grandchildren Heather Garner, Branden Richards, Brooke Richards and Annabelle Heger as well as his sister Adele Matherne and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dan had a truly entrepreneurial spirit. He started his very first business in early adulthood, Richards Export Company.  This combined his love of nature with his business savvy. While residing in South Florida he turned one of his childhood hobbies into a business selling sports collectibles and memorabilia.  In New Jersey he developed an interest in real estate and became a licensed realtor and real estate investor.

During his childhood in Lakeshore, Dan and his father Percy bonded over collecting stamps where he developed an intense interest and a lifelong passion. Dan became a respected U.S. and WW stamp collector specializing in cancellations and revenue issues. He formed outstanding collections of NY Foreign mail cancels and New Orleans Postal History and U.S. Revenues. He was a past member of many stamp societies including The American Philatelic Society (APS) and The US Cancellation Club. He also was a respected and accomplished author of postal history and research. 

Dan was a true sportsman starting with his days spent playing baseball at the local field near his home on Onyx Street and he carried some of these happiest childhood memories throughout his life. He was a Saints fan and loved spending his Sundays with his children cheering on the Saints. On gorgeous days you might have found him on the golf course  perfecting his stroke or in his boat at his favorite fishing spot in Delacroix. 

He was a true artist and nature was his favorite medium. He created beautiful gardens in each of the many places he lived.  

Dan and his wife Karen wanted to express how truly blessed and extremely grateful they are for the care  he received from Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.   It is often said that God led them to the right people.  Special thanks and recognition are given to Dr. Genevieve Maronge and Grant Brauwn. 

Dan was an active member at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church (Mandeville) where he served as head of the vestry.

Funeral Services will be at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Mandeville on February 17th. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and followed by church service at 11:00 am.  

In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Michaels Building Fund, https://onrealm.org/StMichaelsEpisc68931/-/form/give/GIFTCampaign