James Donald “Don” Richardson, 83, passed away at 10:30 am on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at his home. He was born on July 3, 1942, in Woodbury, Tennessee, son of Thomas Frank Richardson & June Marie (Arrowsmith) Richardson Henson. On July 13, 1963, he married Pamela Jean (Martin) Richardson who preceded him in death on March 31, 2017.
Don was a graduate of Waverly High School in Waverly, TN and Akron University in Akron, Ohio. He was a first lieutenant in the army while he was in college. He worked as an electrical engineer at Delco Electronics. He held several patents and was a principle technical fellow and worked with computer programming. Don was a member of the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. He and Pam played Bridge and became Life Masters with the American Contract Bridge League. He was a wonderful father and an amazing mentor. Don was incredibly respectful of everyone, especially women.
He is survived by his daughter, Robyn Chesser; grandchildren, Christian (Molly) Chesser and Joseph Chesser; great-grandson, Thomas Wade Chesser; and brother, Tommy (Karen) Henson.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and sister, Karen Henson.
A funeral service celebrating Don’s life will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 705 Southway Blvd E., Kokomo, with Pastors John Dryer & Carl Hingst officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Army and the Kokomo V.F.W. Military Rites Team. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 am to 1 pm, Thursday at the church. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
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