Joe R Richardson

Joe passed away suddenly in his Fair Oaks home on April 15, 2014, at the age of 65. He was a certified public accountant who began his CPA career with Ernst and Young over 30 years ago. In 1991, he started the regional firm of Richardson & Company and has managed the business for the past 23 years. His company is ranked as the 13th largest CPA firm in Sacramento employing 21 people, 14 of whom are CPAs.

Joe was born on Sept. 23, 1948, in Monett, Missouri to Ray G. and Betty Richardson. He graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1966. Joe went on to earn a BS degree in Engineering from the University of Missouri and Master’s degrees in Business and Taxation from Southern Illinois and Golden Gate Universities, respectively. Joe was a member of the AICPA and the California Society of CPAs. He was also a member of the Sutter Club and Northridge Country Club.

One of Joe’s proudest accomplishments was serving in the U.S. Air Force as a navigator for C- 141s and C5s. As a captain during the Vietnam War, he helped evacuate refugees from Vietnam and navigated a C5A plane around the world twice. He retired from the Air Force Reserve with the rank of Major, having served nearly 22 years, including 5 1/2 years active duty. Among his seven medals and four ribbons were the Air Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

Joe is survived by his daughter and son, Katie and Michael, and their mother, Virginia, all of California; and his parents, Ray G. and Betty Richardson of Mt. Vernon, Missouri.

The funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 24 at Mount Vernon Memorial Park and Mortuary, 8201 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks. A reception will be held following the funeral.