James Kenneth "Bruiser" Richards, 81, of Hustonville passed away at home on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Born in Casey County on December 15, 1944, he was the son of the late William Arthur "Billie" and Marie Trailor Richards.

Ken was a lifelong member of International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 181. He enjoyed running heavy equipment. He traveled to many states with his work building pipelines. When he wasn't away from home working, he enjoyed farming and spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Rhonda Gail Gordon Richards; his daughter: Patsy (Jacob) Spears of Moreland; grandson, Luke Hafley Spears, whom he always called Booger; three sisters: Nancy Clark of Ohio, Paula Maddox (Keith Saylor) of Crab Orchard, and Lois Jean Richards (Luther Riley) of Corbin; two brothers: Henry Richards and John (Brenda) Richards of Hustonville. Ken is also survived by a special brother-in-law, Newland Martin of Stanford whom he spent many hours talking to on the phone.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by three brothers, Ivan Harold Richards, William Eugene Richards, and Edgar H. "Jack" Richards; three sisters: Jessica Carol Richards, Freida Martin, and Connie Greene.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Brenda Richards and to Glenda Guffy.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 6-8 PM at W.L. Pruitt Funeral Home. Funeral will be Friday, February 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Chaplain Jonathan Grizzell officiating. Burial will follow in Hustonville Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jacob Spears, Eddie Dunn, Kenny Dunn, Ty Gordon, Zac Gordon, Matt Peyton, and Adam Gordon.

Memorial Contributions are suggested to Heritage Hospice.