THOMAS S. RICHARDSON

Thomas S. Richardson, born August 17, 1922, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 87, on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, at his home in Long Beach, CA.
Tom was born in Corder, the fifth child of a family of 11 siblings. The family moved to Westport area of Kansas City, MO, where he lived until Aug. 29, 1942 when he married Betty Lou Scherlinger and they set up their household in Henrietta. In November 1942, Tom was drafted into the United States Army where he served as a Corporal in the 160th Infantry serving with the Asiatic Pacific Company. While in the army, Tom was awarded several medals including the Purple Heart Medal. Tom was wounded in action Jan. 29, 1945 in Philippine Islands. He received an honorable discharge on Aug. 11, 1945 and returned to his wife and home in Henrietta, where their only daughter, Nina Jo was born. In the fall of 1955 the family moved to Long Beach, CA, where Tom was employed by McDonald Douglas and Pacific Valve, retiring in 1984.
Tom enjoyed his bowling league and loved to hunt, fish and party. Tom always had a smile on his face and a tease ready for the occasion. He was a loving, hard-working husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother cousin, uncle, great-uncle, and friend.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Letitia Richardson, baby boy Richardson, William Richardson, Caswell Richardson, Katherine Richardson, Rudy Richardson, Julia Richardson Hood, and Llewelyn Richardson.
Survivors include: his loving wife of 67 years, Betty; daughter and son-in-law, Nina Gustin and her husband, Gary; three grandchildren and their spouses; five great-grandchildren; his siblings and their spouses, Lilly Vernassie, Mary White and her husband, Kenny, Eugene Richardson and his wife, Janet, and sister-in-law, Pat Richardson; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
By Tom's wishes, the family is requesting that memorial in his name by given to Trinity United Church of Christ or to Veterans of Foreign War.

Memorial services will be Saturday, May 29, at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity United Church of Christ in Lexington, MO. Visitation will be Saturday, May 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Inurnment will be at Cravens Cemetery, Camden, MO, where military graveside services will be provided by the Lexington VFW Post #4052. Thurman Funeral Home, Richmond, MO is in charge of the arrangements.