Donald Richardson

The sweet, gentle, loving spirit of Donald R Richardson left this earth peacefully on November 25, 2012 surrounded by his family after a valiant, hard-fought battle against cancer. Born on September 8, 1925, he was the youngest of the seven children of Ralph and Myrtle (Davis) Richardson.

Don was a wonderful husband, Dad, grandpa, Great-Grandpa and Great-Great-Grandpa. He was a true blessing to all who came in contact with him in his journey thru this life and will be missed beyond the expression of words. He sacrificed so much for the benefit of his children. He taught us many things by the example of his character. As a loving devoted family man, he was most definitely the patriarch and the moral compass for five generations. He was a pillar of strength and compassion to which his family anchored.

Always willing to help, he left no doubt how much we were loved by him. His unconditional love and support brought each of us comfort and happiness that will never be forgotten.

His actions throughout his life were filled with the abundance of wisdom, integrity, honesty and selflessness. His work ethic and love of family was unrivaled.

Don was a skilled gravel man, spreading sand and gravel like no other. He had practiced and perfected his skills for 72 years. Richardson Sand and Gravel was all he ever knew, hand shoveling gravel as a teenager and driving a dump truck before he had a driver’s license. He never met a stranger and was loved and greatly respected by all who knew him. Known for steering his truck with his right hand and waving passionately with his left, his wave and infectious smile made a lot of people happy, if only for an instant. Our challenge now is to take the love of life he had and shared in his every day actions and keep his memory alive and carry forward the legacy of this great man.

Don leaves to cherish his memory and to deeply mourn his passing, his Wife of 56 years, Joanne. Five children, Gene (Barbara) Richardson, Moe (Debbie) Richardson, Twana Hiatt, Beth (Gordon) Bright and Lori (Dewey) Rushin all of Alexandria. 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, one sister, Lenora Rector of Alexandria. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews, countless special friends and his church family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Myrtle Richardson, Mother-in-law, Ada Schmidt-Thomas, three brothers, Paul, Herschel and Gene, two Sisters Ruth Rastetter and Lois Fisher as well as several brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws and two grandsons, Andrew and Colton. They are all now reunited in heaven.

The family wishes to extend their special thanks to Dr. Tahir Naqui and his staff.

Go rest high on that mountain, Ol Buddy for your work on earth is through.

A service to celebrate Don’s life will be Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012 at 11:00 am in the Innisdale United Brethren in Christ Church, 1101 W First St., Alexandria with Rev. Terry Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in Park View Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012 at the church from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Innisdale United Brethren in Christ Church, 1101 W First St., Alexandria, IN 46001 or in care of the funeral home.

Whetsel Funeral Service is honored to serve the Richardson family.