Lowell R. Richardson (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Lowell Raymond Richardson, son of Willis R. and Eunice E. Dame Richardson, was born November 17, 1923, near Long Lane, Missouri. He departed this life Friday, January 5, 2018, in his home, near Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of ninety-four years, one month, and eighteen days.
On June 7, 1948, he was united in marriage to Nadine Meents, and to this union one daughter and two sons were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Jim Branstetter; two brothers, Lowen and Leland Richardson; a brother-in-law, Gene Brown; and a sister-in-law, Doris Richardson Terveen.
Lowell is survived by his loving wife of sixty-nine years, Nadine, of the home; a daughter, Carol Branstetter, and her husband, Frank, of Lebanon, Missouri; two sons, Kurt Richardson, and his wife, Leta, and Kendall Richardson, and his wife, Sara, all of Phillipsburg, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Tyler, Seth, Laura, Allison, Alayna, Sandra and Vicky; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters, Loveta Brown, of Long Lane, Missouri, and Lela Doing, and her husband, Dave, of Lebanon, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
He was born and raised in Laclede County, near Long Lane, Missouri, and then lived most of his life in the same area. After graduating from Conway High School, he began teaching at Gannon rural school. In the summer of 1942, he started attending college in Bolivar until his education was interrupted by serving in the United States Army during World War II. He taught in Seligman, Missouri, for a time and then moved to Macks Creek, Missouri, where he was a coach, and taught math and driver’s education. Lowell completed his education with a Master’s Degree in Education in 1954. He became the principal of Hillcrest Elementary School in Lebanon, where he also taught sixth grade. He stayed in that position for a number of years, and then became the principal of Phil M. Donnelly Elementary School in Lebanon until retiring. In total his career in education spanned forty-two years, and he was never too busy to listen or to play with the children. Throughout the years, Lowell and Nadine made their home on their farm near Lebanon, and lovingly raised their family. He liked working with his cattle and taking care of the farm.
Lowell was a longtime, faithful member of the Church of Christ and was an Elder in the Lee’s Summit Church of Christ near Lebanon, Missouri.
He was a member of the Lebanon Education Association, the Missouri State Teacher’s Association, and the Lebanon/Laclede County Retired School Personnel Association. He and Nadine loved to travel and Lowell greatly enjoyed his daily four-wheeler drive around the farm, which was his passion. One of the highlights of this last year for Lowell was being recognized as a Lebanon Chamber of Commerce 2017 Wall of Honor recipient. His family was always very important to him and he especially enjoyed having time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions to the New Hope Cemetery, may be made through the Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Lowell?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lowell?
Share a story where Lowell's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lowell you’ll never forget.
How did Lowell make you smile?
