John "Jack" K. Richardson

John "Jack" K. Richardson, 85, of Jefferson City, passed away Friday, September 30, 2011, at St. Mary's Health Center. He was born November 30, 1925, in Marion, Illinois, a son of the late O. Cletus and Norma G. (Van Buskirk) Richardson. He was a 1944 graduate of Roosevelt High School in St. Louis, and attended Kansas University. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science and Commerce in 1969, from St. Louis University in St. Louis. On August 14, 1948, Jack was united in marriage to Peggy L. Eilerts, who preceded him in death on April 13, 2003. On February 14, 2004, Jack was united in marriage at Community Christian Church, to Helene Webster, who survives at their home. Jack worked for Missouri Pacific Railroad from 1949 - 1969; St. Louis County State Government from 1969 - 1971; International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT) from 1971 - 1973; in private accounting from 1973 - 1974; was a State Auditor from 1974 - 1975; the Missouri Department of Insurance from 1975 - 1981; and with the Missouri Office of Administration from 1981 - 1989. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served in Belgium, France, Holland and Germany during World War II, where he earned the Bronze Star. He was a heavy mortar gunner with the 75th Infantry. Jack was an Elder and Chairman of the Board at Community Christian Church; was a life member of the Missouri Association of Public Purchasing (MAPP); was the founder of the Jefferson City Football Officials Association, a member of Elks Lodge 513, Host Lions Club, VFW Post 1003, and the American Legion Post 5. He was a high school and college football official for 25 years, high school and college track official for 25 years, and served on the Thomas Jefferson Library Board for nine years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Along with his wife Helene, Jack is also survived by a daughter: Lori L. Richardson-Branch (husband Aaron) of Jefferson City; one son: Mark D. Richardson (wife Candy) of Jacksonville, Florida; two step-daughters: Lorna Webster-Guevel (husband Gene) of Lee's Summit, and Barbara Webster-Day (husband Steve) of Warrensburg; one step-son: Allan Webster of Jefferson City; four grandchildren: Ashley Richardson-Basinger (husband Rick) of Grain Valley, Blake Richardson of Blue Springs, Alyssa Richardson of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and Connor Raithel of Jefferson City; six step-grandchildren: Grant Guevel and Lauren Guevel of Lee's Summit, Zachary Webster of Fort Benning, Georgia, Dylan Webster and Jamie Webster of Russellville, Ashley Branch-Rhoades of San Diego, California; and three great-grandchildren: MaKayla Basinger, Marissa Basinger and Boston Basinger all of Grain Valley. He was also preceded in death by a son: Craig K. Richardson on January 25, 2002. Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 5, 2011, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 6, 2011, at the Community Christian Church, with Rev. David Avery officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in Riverview Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Community Christian Church, 409 Ellis Blvd., Jefferson City, MO 65101 or the Lions Eye Tissue Bank, 404 Portland St., Columbia, MO 65201. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com