Nolan Adam Richard

Nolan Adam Richard, 8 years old, passed away on the evening of Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at Elkhart General Hospital as the result of a tragic accident.  Nolan was born on February 19, 2014 in South Bend. He attended Starz Academy of South Bend and would have been a 3rd grader this coming school year at Concord West Side Elementary School. He also attended KidsCare through the Boys & Girls Club of Elkhart County.

Nolan is survived by his parents, Adam D. and Jessica S. Richard of Elkhart; younger brother, Henry Richard; and his grandparents, Debra Walters of Elkhart, Deborah Hunt of Mishawaka, and Daniel and Lora Richard of Mishawaka.  He is also survived by his great grandmothers, Rosalyn Walters of Mishawaka and Joyce Schafer of Indianapolis, along with several aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, friends, teachers, and caregivers. Nolan was preceded in death by his aunt, Katie Richard; grandfather, Ronald Hunt; and great grandfathers, Nole Walters and Roger Schafer.

Nolan was a loving, intelligent, funny, and kind boy. He could be shy initially, but once you got him talking, he did not stop. He was an excellent reader and loved to read about all types of animals and dinosaurs. Ever since Kindergarten, Nolan wanted to be a zookeeper. He could tell you every detail about every animal imaginable. He loved playing outside, exploring, hiking, and swimming. He enjoyed searching for bugs and picking dandelions for his mom. If it was rainy he insisted on playing video games. He was the absolute best big brother to Henry, so caring and protective. In true big brother fashion, he was great at teaching Henry how to get into mischief, always with a big toothy grin when he got caught. If he wasn’t playing he could be found helping his mom with baking or giving his dad a hand with house projects. He was never one to turn down a chance to be helpful. Dessert was his favorite food group. Oreos and doughnuts were a staple in his diet. He was always ready for a snack. There are not enough words to express how deeply he will be missed by all that knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 8, 2022 at the Epic Church, 3524 Harrison Road, Mishawaka, IN.  Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.  Friends may visit with the family from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 7th, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Welsheimer Chapel, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend and from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Nolan Adam Richard may be donated to Potawatomi Zoo, 500 S. Greenlawn Avenue, South Bend, IN 46615.  Online condolences may be offered to Nolan’s family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

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