Sergeant First Class (Ret.) Aldo V. Richards Sr., 65, of Colon, Panama, entered into eternal rest surrounded by his loved ones on Friday, July 24, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, in the chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends during a public visitation on Sunday, August 9, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home, located at 3874 Gentian Boulevard in Columbus. A committal service with military honors will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery 553 AL-165, Fort Mitchell, AL 36856

Aldo was born on June 6, 1961, in Colon, Panama, to Verne and Sabina Richards. 

An Army veteran, Aldo joined the military on September 11, 1979, serving as an Army flight medic. Demonstrating his profound commitment to service, he was recognized with serval medals and ribbons: Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Lapel Button, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer's Professional Development Ribbon Numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal (K), Kuwait Liberation Medal (SA), Expert Field Medical Badge, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Air Assault Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge with    Driver-W Bar, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge. Aldo completed 24 total years of military service alongside 20 years of civil service.

He had a passion for music, loved to dance and he defined himself as a "SALSERO" because of his love for salsa music, he had a tune for every occasion playing music and his instruments like the Congas, Bongos, and any other instrument related to salsa music until the sunset. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and teaching them how to play the Congas.

Aldo is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Cristina Richards of Columbus, Georgia; his parents, Verne and Sabina Richards of California; three sons Aldo V. Richards Jr. and his wife Sugeily, of San Antonio, TX, Miguel Grosvenor of Augusta, Georgia, Reggie Richards of Columbus, Georgia; his daughter, Gina Michelle Dewberry and her husband Chris, of Hamilton, GA; 14 grandchildren; three sisters Indira Richards of California, Katia Richards-Robinson and husband Dino of California, and Rachel Richards of Columbus, GA; several nieces and nephews that loved him.

 He was preceded in death by his brother, Yves Richards.