David L. Richardson

David Lee Richardson of Omaha, Nebraska passed on to his heavenly home January 24, 2025. Born to Edward and Margaret (Hansen) Richardson, Dave was raised in the Benson area, attending Benson high school.

While in high school, Dave participated in ROTC as well as whatever shenanigans he could get into with his friends. Upon graduation from Benson, Dave attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where he received his bachelor’s degree in architecture. While living in Lincoln he met and married Patricia Thulin and had three sons. The family moved to Omaha in 1966, settling in the Keystone area. While living in Omaha, their fourth son was born.

In 1973, Dave moved the whole family to a small farm north of Yutan, Nebraska to begin pursuing his dream of owning horses. Dave’s first wife, Pat, passed tragically in 1974. Dave raised 4 boys on his own until he met Jan Loofbourrow and remarried in 1976. Dave’s lifelong passion was horses. He joined the Omaha Saddle Club where he was an active member, serving on their board. He would often show his horses at various events in Nebraska, receiving numerous awards for horsemanship. He instilled this same love for horses in his wife, Jan, and sons who raised and often showed horses along with him. Over the years, Dave owned over a dozen horses, culminating with his beloved stud horse Princeofa Jaguar.

He also had a passion for fast cars – well, normal cars he tried to make fast. He may have blown up a few motors in the process. In his retirement years he finally purchased his first Corvette, and later his favorite, his 2011 Corvette Grand Sport. He was an active member of the Cornhusker Corvette Club, participating in car shows, parades, and low speed racing. He loved doting over his car, often meticulously shining and polishing it in his garage. True to his nature, he paid attention to the small details to keep things as perfect as he could.

Dave worked at Leo A Daly for over 40 years in various roles, finally retiring in 2005 as Director of Contract Administration. His work and efforts can be seen all over Omaha and around the world. Some of these include St Joseph Hospital (now Boys Town research center), First National Bank of Omaha Tower, and Creighton University Dental School. He also spent months in Saudi Arabia, overseeing a large project for the Saudi government.

His handiwork was not limited to his career as an architect. He was always willing to use his talents to help others. Besides building his own horse barn on the farm, he built a home and garage for his parents on his land in Yutan. Over the years he helped his sons build decks, sheds, roof houses, and any other project they wanted help with. Building was not just about the structures; it was about spending time together. Just as he built physical spaces, he built strong bonds with his family through hard work. He was a creative problem solver who seemed to always have a solution to any challenges presented to him.

For many years, Dave was a member of West Hills Presbyterian Church where he was an elder and a member of their building committee. He used his talents to help oversee the building of the church’s new sanctuary. Dave was a spiritual man who regularly attended church until his health limited his ability to do so. As the patriarch of his family, he often led the family prayer at holiday gatherings. His faith was a cornerstone of his life.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents, Edward H and Margaret R Richardson; his first wife, Patricia Thulin; and multiple aunts and uncles. David is survived by his loving wife, Jan (Loofbourrow) Richardson of Omaha; son, Scott of California City, California; daughter-in-law, Deborah Richardson of California City, California; son, Brian (Debra) of Omaha; son, Kevin (Tari) of Omaha; and son, David "EJ" (Natalie) of Cedar Creek, Nebraska; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many other loving friends and family.

A visitation for David will be held Friday, January 31, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home. A celebration of life will occur Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home.

David will be laid to rest in Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park.

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