William J. “Bill” Richardson

William J. “Bill” Richardson was born in rural Southern Oklahoma on July 31, 1926.  He was raised in Temple and Walters, Oklahoma.  His parents were Allen and Jesse (Clements) Richardson.

After graduating from Walters High School, Bill enlisted in the Army for the last part of World War II.  Following the War, he attended The University of Oklahoma.  During college, he met Marian Benton, and they married on July 31, 1948.

 Bill began his career as the manager of an Antrim Lumber Company yard in Marlow, Oklahoma.  In 1955, the company called him up to the headquarters in Wichita, Kansas.  He eventually became Vice President and General Manager of the company, overseeing a chain of yards in the Midwest.  While at Antrim, he was involved in the development of Breckenridge, Colorado.

In the late 1960s, Bill and a partner founded Lumber Associates, which built a small chain of yards in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Colorado.  He later worked as a consultant and broker in the lumber industry.

In December of 2007, Bill and Marian moved from Wichita into Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community in Lawrence, to be closer to family.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Marian; son Guy of Lawrence; son Scott and daughter-in-law Leah of Lawrence; grandchildren Jesse, Hayley, Alexandria and Will Richardson; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Marguerite Peterson and Dorothy Blake.
 

5 Condolences

  1. Walter Riker on November 24, 2012 at 1:40 am

    Christine and I send our sympathies, Scott. Yes, he was a very good man. I know because I know you. We’re with you all the way during this difficult time. It’s never easy but I know you’ll continue to be strong for your family. Peace to your Dad.

    Walt



  2. Scott & Kathleen Morgan on November 24, 2012 at 9:33 am

    The Morgans all extend their heartfelt sympathies. It is very tough to lose a parent. It provokes a wide range of emotions and memories. We enjoyed your father and could always tell that you carry a big part of him inside of you. We hold all of you in our thoughts and prayers.



  3. Linda & Bill Dixon on November 24, 2012 at 12:47 pm

    Trish DePriest noted the name in the Wichita paper and called most “old” Metro teachers. Pls convey our condolences to Marian. We think or her often and send good thoughts her way. She and Bill were a great couple and we had good times/good memories with them at Metro events. Peace be with you all. Linda & Bill Dixon



  4. Mike & Kelly Pettit on November 25, 2012 at 3:22 pm

    Scott,

    So sorry to hear the news about the loss of your dad. It is not much comfort at this hour, but in the days to come we hope you can focus on all that was good in his life, and know that a part of him lives on in you. Hang in there,

    Mike and Kelly



  5. Trish DePriest on November 25, 2012 at 7:57 pm

    Sympathies to Guy and Scott–and families. Bill was a class act every time I met him. A gentleman dedicated to Marian. I worked with Marian at Metro-Meridian. Bill would drive her to and from her substitute teaching days. He always lovingly packed her lunch and made special goodies for all of us on our “feast days”. Marian told me how he was the most handsome man she’d ever met and was so thrilled when he asked her out and met her for dates at her sorority. Peace to Marian and family.



Leave a Condolence