Donald Richardson

An Oklahoma native, Donald Ray Richardson was born September 7, 1938 at Delaware, Nowata County, Oklahoma. He was the son of Ralph John Richardson and Opal Viola (Jordan) Richardson. Don was reared and completed 10th grade in the Delaware Public Schools and later completed his 12th grade education while in the military. He was drafted into the U.S Army in Bartlesville in January 1961. He received his Honorable Discharge in November 1970 in Oakland, California. He honorably served nine years, nine months and 13 days, with two tours in Vietnam, totaling one year, 11 months, 27 days as a light infantry soldier. He was awarded the following decorations, medals and badges: Sharpshooter, M-1 Rifle, Marksman, Automatic Rifle, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. Don was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal (First Oakleaf Cluster) with V device, for heroism in connection with military operation against a hostile force during his tour of duty. He truly served his country honorably and bravely. After his honorable discharge from service, Don worked in the oilfield. Later, he got his CDL's and became a truck driver and retired from Total Petroleum in Ardmore, Oklahoma. In 2000 he made his home in Dewey, Oklahoma. Survivors are three daughters and sons-in-law, Susan D. Richardson Foster and Danny of Milburn, Elizabeth Kay Ledford and Tony of Kiefer, Oklahoma, and Kendra Ann Branch and Jason of Lone Grove, Oklahoma; one son and one daughter-in-law, Michael Shane Richardson and Amy of Norman, Oklahoma; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, Ralph John (Booney) Richardson, Jr., and his wife, of Bartlesville; sister-in-law, Mary (Truman) Richardson of Copan, Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; brothers, Gary D. Richardson, Dwight D. Richardson, Byron N. (Pooch) Richardson; one sister, Betty Richardson; son, Earl Dean Richardson; daughter, Paula Diane Richardson Crawford; and great-granddaughter (infant), Nadia Nichole Meeks. He is loved and remembered by his family and numerous friends. He will be truly missed.