Donald Lawrence Richardson

Donald “Don” L Richardson received his eternal healing on December 14, 2021. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and fought hard for seven and a half years to live his best life with an incurable disease. He is now pain-free in heaven.

Don, age 72, was born to Victor and Beulah Richardson. He lived in Ohio until age 17, when his parents moved to Oyster Creek. Don enrolled and graduated from Brazosport High School. He lived most of his life in Freeport and Lake Jackson before relocating to Converse in 2008. Upon being diagnosed with cancer, he semi-retired and moved to Austin to be with his children.

In his early twenties, one of Don’s first jobs was at Dow Chemical Company in Freeport, TX. He would go on to make a career in commercial construction as a project manager, where he met friends (Terry McCollough, Terry Hudkins, David White) that fostered his intellectual curiosity, and he flourished. Don would often say this was the most satisfying time in his career.

At the age of 25, Don became a follower of Christ. He volunteered for almost two decades at Jones Creek Assembly of God church, teaching a Sunday class and leading music. He loved to sing solos; his favorite song was Master of the Wind. In addition, he loved singing in a quartet with TW and Charlene Zirlott, and Betty Frost.

Don will be remembered by his family as kind, generous, brilliant, and possessing a witty sense of humor. He was generous with his time and talents, having spent the last seven years helping his son build a business. He loved being at the new business so much that he decided to ask his son for a job. While working in his newfound job, he became a passionate dog lover. Any chance he got to pet a dog or hand out a dog bone made his day. He would often complete a shift and come home to tell his family all about the dogs he met that day.

Don was truly a brilliant mind. An avid reader and consumer of knowledge, he could be asked any question and know the answer. It was not uncommon for him to read two or three books a week, a hobby he continued until his last few days on earth. His family often said that “it was no fun watching Wheel-of-Fortune or Jeopardy with dad because he knows all of the answers.” His intellect, wisdom, kindness, generosity, and humor will be deeply missed by his family.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Victor and Beulah Richardson, and brother-in-law Mike Sims. He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara Richardson of 53 years, daughter Jamie Richardson, son Kerry Richardson, and daughter-in-law Mandi Richardson. He is also survived by brother Ed Richardson, sister Vickie and husband David Kennedy, sister Jane and husband Steve Carder, sister-in-law Debbie Sims, brother and sister-in-laws Larry and Amanda Sims, Evon and Floyd Hoffman, and Tommy and Sue Sims, and many nieces and nephews.

The following Celebrations of Don’s Life will be held:

For family and friends who loved him in Austin:

January 16, 2022, at 2:00 pm at Last Stand,12345 Pauls Valley Rd, Austin, TX 78737

For family and friends who loved him in Brazoria county:

February 12, 2022, at 1:00 pm at New Beginnings Church, 400 N Dixie Dr, Lake Jackson, TX 78566

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Grace Covenant Church, 9431 Jollyville Rd, Austin, TX 78759, or Austin Pets Alive,1156 West Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78703.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishleander.com for the Richardson family.