John Richeson

Sgt. John William Richeson Jr. (“JR”), a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, age 77, passed away on Friday March 28th, 2025. He was born January 14, 1948 in Louisville, Kentucky to John and Leona Richeson, who preceded him.

He graduated from Bishop David High School- class of 1967, and retired from Philip Morris.

JR enlisted into the U.S. Air Force at the age of 19 in June of 1967. After his initial training in the Air Force Security Police career field, he was selected to learn U. S. Army Ranger tactics and be deployed to South Vietnam under Operation SAFESIDE. As a member of the 82nd Combat Security Police Wing, JR and his colleagues provided security for all active air bases in South Vietnam. These bases had previously been attacked by enemy troops and suffered heavy losses. After Operation SAFESIDE was enacted, no airbase was overrun by the enemy for the duration of the war. Several thousand officers and airmen were able to do their duties safely and returned home to the United States alive due to the efforts of JR and his fellow SAFESIDE warriors. For his efforts, JR was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, both with Valor. JR continued in the Air Force after the war and separated with honorable discharge in June of 1975. Because of the outstanding efforts of JR and his colleagues in Operation SAFESIDE, then-USAF Chief of Staff, General John P. McConnell, declared all members of SAFESIDE to be heroes of the war and honored accordingly. Men came home alive because of JR Richeson.

JR was affiliated with the VFW Post 5421, 35-year member of the Vietnam Vet Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club (VNVLVMC), and family to The Wings of Refuge- where he spent most days the past 6 years. JR was a bundle of JOY and lived life to the FULLEST, always had a story to tell with no filter, and had the most generous heart- always wanting to help people. He loved feeding his squirrels, snuggling with his cat, Jingles, and spoiling the family pups, Haggard, June Carter and Willie Nelson, with ribeye steak every chance he could! JR enjoyed his expresso coffee, family time and never met a stranger!

JR was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jeanie Richeson; his brother, Donald Richeson (Earleen).

He is survived by his brother, Daniel Richeson (Carolyn); his sister-in-law Brenda Clagett (Gregory), nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Please join us to Celebrate the Life of JR: Heady-Hardy Funeral Home 7710 Dixie Hwy Louisville, KY 40258 Thursday April 10, 2025 9am-12pm Visitation

12pm Funeral Service Burial will follow with Military Honors at 1:30pm at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central, 2501 N. Dixie Blvd. Radcliff, KY 40160.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wings of Refuge, www.thewingsofrefuge.org.