COLUMBUS
Larry E. Richardson, 78, of Columbus, passed from this life on Sunday, January 15th, 2023 at Traditions of Columbus. Mr. Richardson was born on December 24, 1944 in Milan, Indiana, the son of Jim E. and Martha Nordloh Richardson. Larry grew up working on the family farm and participating in athletics. Larry excelled in basketball, cross country and track. Larry held the pole vaulting record for years until the introduction of fiberglass poles. He was presented the MVP award in 1963 by Bobby Plump who was a player from the infamous 1954 Milan team. Other members from that 1954 team were Larry’s coach and teacher.
Larry was committed to his academics and was the first member of his family to attend college. After graduating from Milan in 1963, Larry attended highly acclaimed Purdue University and earned his degree in mechanical engineering. He persevered through college enduring the death of his mother and not being allowed to serve in ROTC due to his color blindness. Those challenges did not derail his achievements as he was granted 2 design patents. After graduating from Purdue in 1968, Larry met the love of his life at a dance in Indianapolis. He had to memorize Carolyn’s phone number, and made that important phone call. After a brief courtship Larry married Carolyn Nicely on December 6, 1969. Larry and Carolyn moved to Columbus, Indiana for work at Arvin Industries. They soon welcomed the additions of Eric Dale and Ramona Lynn to their family.
Larry spent his young adult life attending his children’s sporting events, working on house projects, playing softball, and being an active member of First Church Church. With his engineering mindset there was not much Larry couldn’t do, and he enjoyed having both his son and daughter by his side to teach them how to change oil in a car and how to use power tools. He taught the principles of being kind and respectful to others, how to save for a rainy day, and the importance of sharing material blessings with others.
Larry shared his love for travel and the great outdoors with his immediate family and friends. The family experienced adventures to New England, Niagra Falls, Washington DC, battlefields, battleships, the entire west coast and Europe. Once the children were raised, Larry and Carolyn continued their travel adventures to Japan, the Mediterranean, Banff Canada, a European river cruise, the Panama canal, and Yellowstone. Larry always had a camera in hand to capture those scenic moments.
Larry lived a content life by balancing his dedication to work and family. He was able to retire from Arvin at the age of 55, and relocate to Brown County to further enjoy nature. Sharing 53 years of marriage with Carolyn brought him his treasured children and grandchildren. Larry was also blessed with several nieces and nephews to whom he was always willing to gently share advice and encouragement. Larry would often clip comic strips, finance articles, and pictures of nature to mail to his children and grandchildren. What a blessing each of those envelopes contained…hand written notes from a man who has left a lasting legacy!
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn, children Eric (Tiffany) Richardson of Parker, Colorado, and Ramona (Lance) Barker of Columbus, grandchildren Kendra, Harlie, and Lana Richardson, Blake and Lauren Barker, and his brothers Dennis (Janet) Richardson and Paul (Barb) Richardson. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The funeral will be conducted at 2:00 pm, Sunday January 22, 2023 at Barkes, Weaver, &Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street with David Burnett officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 pm to time of service.
Memorial contributions can be made to the First Christian Church Tower Fund.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at barkesweaverglick.com
