Louis Ritchards

Louis Samuel Ritchards, Jr., the youngest of seven children, was born in Camden, NJ on December 19, 1920 to the late Louis Samuel and Helen Ritchards. He was educated in the Camden school system and graduated from Camden High School in June, 1939. After graduation from high school, he immediately applied for a position with the federal government. While waiting to be hired, Louis did not remain idle. Instead, he took an interim job at the Horn and Hardart's restaurant in Camden. Later on that year he received the call and began a long career with the federal government, working at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. This career was interrupted, however, by a draft letter from the US Army. After his military training at Camp Stewart, Georgia, he was selected along with a group of men to attend A and T College in Greensboro, North Carolina for training in electricity and electronics, then on to Chief of Section for tracking and destroying high flying enemy aircrafts. This was at the height of the Second World War, and Louis was later to receive an all-expense paid trip to the frontlines in Germany, where he spent more than a year, until the enemy was defeated, helping to rebuild the extensive damage and devastation resulting from the conflict. He felt blessed to have escaped injury and death during the war. During his tenure in the military, he received many citations for his service to the United States, such as: American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal and a Distinguished Unit Badge. Louis has preserved a host of memorabilia, including his Hatch Junior High School photograph, Camden High School yearbook, photographs collected during his time in the service and even his Army duffel bag. Upon leaving the military, Louis resumed his career in electricity and electronics, working for the federal government. His last 26 working years were spent with the Frankford Arsenal in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a high-tech facility, working alongside scientists who designed and manufactured military equipment. Louis' dream had always been to work for the Federal Government and he continued to work there for almost three decades, prior to retiring in 1976. Louis believed that the best thing that ever happened to him was to have been introduced to and baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist faith. He remained a faithful, steadfast member of the Mt. Olivet S.D.A. Church for more than fifty years prior to his passing. He devoted many hours in service to the church holding positions such as secretary of the building committee, Head Deacon, Community Service Director, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, President of the Fifty-Plus Club and assisting in the treasury department. He thoroughly enjoyed serving the church all those years. Louis found peace and tranquility at his family residence in Camden, surrounded by mementos of a rich life, until his passing on December 14, 2021. He will be remembered fondly by his church family for his devotion to the church, as well as his independence. Until two years ago, he could still be seen driving himself to church on a Saturday morning, then entering the sanctuary with the gait and confidence of a healthy 70 year old, immaculately dressed, having taken the time to fully coordinate his outfits. Louis was predeceased by his brothers, John and Charles and sisters, Marion R. Watson, Edith R. Kelly, Helen R. Mitchell Ogburn and Emma R. Stevenson. Louis leaves behind to cherish his memory his son, Eric V. Ritchards, four granddaughters, seven great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, several loving nieces and nephews, along with neighbors, friends and his church family. https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1183227

Louis Ritchards

December 19, 1920 - December 14, 2021