Kent Kevin Richardson, Sr., 65, of Gerald, a baptized servant, passed away unexpected and suddenly from this life and crossed over to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Monday, July 17, 2023.
He was born Nov. 25, 1957, to Elizabeth Ellen and William Dorsey Richardson in Colby, Kan. The family moved to the St. Louis area in 1963. At an early age, Kent excelled in many sports, but especially loved the game of hockey and his time as a defenseman on the Rainbow Rockets Hockey Team. Growing up, he enjoyed many summers working on the farm with his close cousin Marcus, his uncle Bus, and aunt Gennie McCarter in Pittsfield, Ill. After graduating from St. Charles High School in 1976, he joined the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 513, Aug. 5, 1980. He went on to have a successful career as an operating engineer on multiple models of heavy equipment, mobile cranes and tower cranes. He was in his element and happiest in work perched up high in the operator’s cab of his tower crane. He was incredibly proud of his work and of being an active member and part of the Brotherhood of IUOE Local 513.
He married Nancy Chapman, June 10, 1994, at the Wedding Chapel in Florissant. Both from previous marriages, Nancy brought John and Megan, while Kent brought Kent Jr. and Gregory to make a family of six. They then together added Johannah to the family a year later in 1995.
Feb. 1, 2013, after 33 years of faithful service to IUOE Local 513, Kent retired and spent his newfound time doing what he truly loved, serving others. He found pleasure in working on his tractor, helping family and friends, caring for animals, camping with his children, and creating special memories with his grandchildren. A family man in the truest sense, he was always happiest when in the presence of his children and his grandchildren, taking every opportunity to spend as much time as possible with them.
He found tremendous joy in working hard for his community and helping family and friends. Never a stranger to anyone, he befriended many. He just sincerely wanted everyone to be okay in life. This was evident in his daily actions and devotions. No matter the cost nor the effort it would take he went above and beyond for everyone to make sure everyone had what they needed and then some.
Kent is predeceased in death by mother Elizabeth Ellen Richardson, father William Dorsey Richardson, and mother-in-law Vera Elizabeth Chapman.
Those who are left to treasure his memory are his wife of 29 years, Nancy Richardson of Gerald; children, John Kern and wife Tiffany their children Nicholas, Lillian, Rebekah and Benjamin of Florissant, Kent Richardson Jr. and wife Kate their daughter Alivia of Wentzville, Megan Stinson and husband Jason their children Gabriel, Audra, Maxwell, and Eleanor of El Mirage, Ariz., Gregory Richardson of Florissant, and Johannah Richardson (Corey) of Nixa; brother, Derek Richardson and wife Kristine of Beaufort, S.C.; father-in-law, John Chapman of Cuba; brothers-in-law, Bill Chapman and wife Susie of Cuba, Duwane Chapman and wife Linda of Gerald, Kevin Chapman and wife Gina of Virginia Beach, Va., and Neil Chapman (Diana) of Raleigh, N.C.; and aunts, uncles, and a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Catholic Mass will be held at St. Gerald Catholic Church with Fr. Jim Foster Wednesday, July 26, with Mass beginning at 10 a.m. in the morning. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. for the family and at 9 a.m. for the public. There will be lunch and fellowship to follow in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made in Kent’s honor to the St. Gerald Catholic Church.
Arrangements entrusted to Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in Gerald.
