Celebrating the life of
Kenneth H. Barthels, Jr.
April 28, 1954 - March 03, 2026
Kenneth Henry Barthels, Jr., 71, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Memorial Health in Savannah. He was born April 28, 1954, in LaCrosse, WI and grew up in Decatur, IL to the late Kenneth and Fran Barthels. Mr. Barthels graduated from Western Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and worked for Transunion as an accountant. He was of the Catholic faith. He and Robert moved to Savannah in 2001.
He is survived by his husband, Robert A. Richardson of Savannah, his two sisters, Linda and Mary Jo, and several nieces and nephews.
A service and burial will be held at a later date at Riverside Cemetery in Macon, GA.
I am so sorry to receive this news. I have wonderful memories of visiting Ken many times in Chicago and him visiting me in Iowa City and San Francisco. I am so glad we had one last visit 1 1/2 years ago in Savannah. I had just emailed him pictures last Saturday of the first time I visited him in Chicago not knowing that he was sick. Robbie, our thoughts are with you, Love, Bill & Rodolfo
- Bill Bateman, Portland, OR
I am very saddened to hear this news. I so enjoyed Ken's company each time I would visit his neighbours, my sister and brother-in-law, in Savannah. Ken was always so engaging with an infectious smile. My sincere sympathies are with you Robbie and I wish you strength for the days ahead. With love from Ireland, Mags Cotter
- Mags Cotter, County Clare, Ireland
What a ride I shared with you. We met over 40 years ago and you and Rob have remained my best friends. Certainly the memories and times we shared will be with me always. I tear up with laughter at those moments. You and Rob will always be a part of life and I am grateful for the friendship we always will share. A Dio good friend. A bientot.
- Dominic D DeLeonardis, Willowbrook, IL
To Robert and Linda, I was so very sorry to get the news that Ken has passed away. The photo that accompanied his obituary is just how I will always remember him--with a smile on his face and laughter in his heart. You are both in my prayers as you navigate life without him. May light perpetual shine upon him. Kristin
- Kristin Lee, Savannah, GA
Robby, I am so grieved to learn about your loss. Ken was such a special man, and I cherish every memory of the friendship I have been blessed to share with the two of you - from your Atlanta chapter, and my Tallahassee chapter, and of course our beloved Savannah. I would like to come to Riverside if it's not too late.
- Steve Gavigan, Moultrie, GA
Robbie, our hearts are with you as you mourn the loss of Ken. He was such a light, and we always enjoyed chatting with him. You two were the first to welcome us to the neighborhood, and were always there with an encouraging word or asking about our kids when they left home. You are cherished, dear friend.
- The Kieferts, Savannah, GA
When we look at the picture of Ken hugging the tree, we can almost hear his big, hearty laugh that we enjoyed so much. This is how we choose to remember him. Ken and Rob welcomed us when we moved in six years ago and they are the best neighbors ever! Rob, you have our deepest sympathies and we are here for anything you need. Kenny is gone much too soon and we will miss him. Marcella and Mark, Savannah GA
- Mark And Marcella, Savannah, GA
We are incredibly saddened of the loss of Ken. We feel the absence of him everyday. We have rented from Ken and Rob for the last 5 years now, and it was always such a joy to run into him getting home or leaving for the day. Him and Rob have always made us feel like a part of the family. Rob, deepest sympathies to you. Ken is missed dearly.
- Taryn Rockey and Kyle Johnson , Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
