Former Sheriff and Lebanon Police Chief Joel Albert Richards died at the age of 83 in Rogers, Arkansas

A longtime Lebanon and Laclede County Law Enforcement officer has died. Former Sheriff and Lebanon Police Chief Joel Albert Richards died at the age of 83 in Rogers, Arkansas, on Monday, November 9th. Joel is a graduate of Lebanon High School. He later served in the U.S. Army during 1960-62. Joe spent 37 years in law enforcement, including four years as Laclede County Sheriff and 33 years at the Lebanon Police Department, 14 of those as Chief of Police. Joel also enjoyed farming. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Brenda of the home; one daughter, Lucinda Pezzetti and her husband Tim of Gilbert, Iowa, and one son, Don Richards and his wife Dr. Danelle Richards of Rogers, Ark.; one sister, Ann Hough, and brother-in-law, Donald Lowery, both of Lebanon; also six grandchildren, Corey Campbell, Collin Campbell and his wife Laura, Madeline Richards, Noah Richards, Ryann Richards, and Cross Pezzetti. At Joe’s request, a funeral service will not be held.