Toby Jim Richards

Toby Jim Richards, age 56, of Knoxville, Iowa (formerly of Pleasantville) passed away on March 20, 2022, at Pella Comfort House.

Toby was born on April 29, 1965, in Pella, Iowa, the son of Jim and Karen (Carter) Richards. Toby graduated from Pleasantville High School, Class of 1983. In high school, Toby worked at Shorty’s steak house in Pleasantville and Ace Truck Lines in Altoona. Toby attended NE Missouri State University. After college he began working at Mike Brooks Inc. in Knoxville as a Dispatch Manager.

Toby was united in marriage to Dianna “Diane” Knox on September 5, 1987, at the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville. They enjoyed 34 years of marriage before his passing and were blessed with one son, Craig. Once Craig was born Toby went to work at Pella Corp and eventually 3M in Knoxville where he remained for 14 years. Toby also worked on the family farm with his father for many years before transitioning to farming full time.

Toby loved farming and his dream was to continue farming with his son Craig. He loved working with the earth and watching things grow and reaping his harvest. Craig and Toby had purchased a 1981 Kenworth Cabover Semi and were in the process of restoring it together at the time of Toby’s passing. It made him very proud to work beside his son Craig and he talked about it often.

Toby enjoyed family, farming, and friends. He also enjoyed riding Harley’s, snowmobiles, skiing, and drag racing (whether on the street or at Eddyville Raceway). He loved all forms of motor sports. And in his words, “anything fast or quick”.

Toby was very detail oriented and always wanted things to look spotless and in good repair. Toby was proud of his home, his equipment and family. Toby liked going to farm shows and visiting with family and friends. He built RC planes and enjoyed flying them with his friends in the Red Rock Flyers Club in Knoxville. Before Toby’s passing, he got all his planes in working order and spent a day cleaning them up and getting them ready to fly once again.

Toby always looked forward to the Iowa State Fair, it was one of his favorite summer activities. He loved to travel and spend time with his wife Dianna. Toby and Diane spent nearly all their free time together and were nearly inseparable. Toby enjoyed life and had a curious mind. Always thinking and planning ahead.

Those left to cherish his memory include his parents, Jim and Karen Richards; wife, Dianna “Diane” Richards of Knoxville; son, Craig Richards of Pleasantville; brother, Todd (Christine) Richards of Knoxville; sister-in-law, Debbie Brees and husband John; brother-in-law, Dennis Knox and wife Stephanie; nieces, Mollie Brees and Kaitlyn Brees; nephews, Kyle Richards, Randy Nicholson and family; and many other family members and friends.

Toby is preceded in death by his grandparents, Herb and Ruby Carter and Otis and Hazel Richards, also mother-in-law and father-in-law, Aaron and Marilyn Knox.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 25, 2022, at the Winfield Funeral Home in Knoxville from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Toby’s family will be present to greet friends and relatives from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. A funeral service will take place at the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville. Following burial, a luncheon will be served at the First United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his memory to his family and will be designated on a later date.

Winfield Funeral Home in Knoxville is assisting Toby’s family with arrangements.