Kirkwood Murder Victim's Memorial This Friday

The following obituary was provided to Patch by the family of Brandon Allen Richards who was shot and killed in Kirkwood Monday, June 17.

Brandon Allen Richards, 18, tragically passed away on June 17, 2013 in Kirkwood of a gunshot wound to the head.

At nine months of age, Brandon became the foster son of James and Penny Richards of Kirkwood, who adopted him at age three.  On May 18, Brandon graduated from Kirkwood High School and was awarded a Pioneer School of Business Scholarship.  He planned to attend Meramec Community College in the fall and was interested in becoming a physical therapist.

Brandon was full of life and greeted everyone with a big smile and ongoing sense of humor.  He enjoyed hanging out with family and his many friends.  He liked sports and played cornerback/wide receiver for the Kirkwood High School football team.  Brandon’s soul was gentle and his heart was huge; he will be missed.  Brandon will always be our precious boy . . . he will always be our ‘Boo.’

Brandon was preceded in death by his grandpa, John Richards.  He is survived by his parents, James & Penny Richards; siblings, Tasha (Mahghandi), Jeremy, Rafael, Brittany and Amber; nephew, Riley Scola; grandparents, Martha Baize and Victor & Joyce Dye; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who love him dearly and miss him greatly. 

A memorial service will be held Fri, June 21 from 5–8 p.m. at Bopp Chapel, 10610 Manchester Rd. in Kirkwood. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Voices for Children and Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition.