Leon Jack Richardson

Leon Jack Richardson, 83, retired Air Force Master Sergeant, died Sunday, March 25, 2012, at Merritt Island Health Center. He was born in Adrian, Michigan, and was a resident of Merritt Island for 44 years. He moved to Brevard in 1968 from Vandenberg AFB, California.

He served in the Air Force, retiring in 1968 after 20 years of active duty. He served in Japan and Korea as a fighter mechanic and in Germany, Maine and California as a Quality Control Specialist with missiles. Among his numerous awards and citations was a Bronze Star for service in Korea and the Air Force Commendation Medal for outstanding work with missiles, in Maine. His love for the space program continued at KSC, working on both the Apollo and Shuttle programs.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Richardson; sister, Ann Goodacre; children, Linda Dunaphant, Barbara McCloskey and Daniel Richardson; stepchildren, Barbara Beck, Roger Nine, Lauren Wilkin and Steven Harper; 10 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 pm, and Funeral Services will follow at 2 pm, Sunday, April 1, 2012, at Florida Memorial Funeral Home, 5950 South U.S. Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955, (321) 636-8943.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VITAS Hospice Foundation, 4450 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Suite 250, Melbourne, FL 32934-9908.