Herbert Luther Richardson of Chandler, Texas stepped into Heaven on July 29, 2020 at the age 93. He was born on December 29, 1926 to parents Jesse Elgie and Mary Elizabeth (Duff) Richardson.
He is preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, two sisters and one daughter-in-law.
Herb is survived by wife, Floy Joann (Gentry) Richardson, Mike Richardson and wife Susette, Brady Richardson and wife Chandra, Linda (Richardson) Bone and husband James, and Jesse Richardson and wife Dawn. Grandchildren Clark Richardson (Natalie), Travis Richardson (Heather), Shane Richardson, Brent Richardson (Courtney), Meagan Richardson, Bridget (Richardson) Church (Eric), Cheyanne Richardson, Dylan Bone, Sierra Richardson, Dakota Richardson, Landen Beckham. Great Grandchildren include Connor Richardson, Graham Richardson, Wyatt Church, Isla Richardson, and Zoey Richardson.
Herb was born in Livingston, Texas where he attended Livingston High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Army where he served during World War II. Upon returning home, he began his post-secondary education at Tyler Junior College where he was a scholarship athlete earning an Associate Degree, and numerous awards including Men’s Basketball All-American and National Champion. After graduating TJC, he continued his education at the University of Houston where he proudly represented the Cougars on the Men’s Basketball Team. There he received a Bachelor's degree in History and Kinesiology.
Herb was united in holy matrimony with the love of his life Joey, otherwise known as Joann Floyd (Gentry) Richardson, on June 3, 1952. Their union was blessed with four children, Mike, Brady, Jesse and Linda (Richardson) Bone, and he just loved his eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Supporting his family led him to Mount Pleasant & Van High Schools as Head Boys Basketball Coach and Teacher for a combination of 5 years. Known as “Coach Rich”, Herb’s career quickly advanced to the college level taking on the Assistant Boys Basketball Coach of Tyler Junior College under Coach Wagstaff. After seven years, he transitioned into the role of Counselor but soon rejoined the basketball program, however this time, as Head Coach of the Lady Apaches. It is in this role that Coach Rich truly excelled even taking teams to numerous National Basketball Tournaments.
He retired from TJC in 1983 but soon returned to the Head Coaching position for one final year before hanging up his whistle for good. In exchange, in 1995, TJC hung their prestigious Circle of Honor Gold Jacket across his shoulders in honor of the legacy that he’d created while serving young people for 32 years.
Over the years, Herb was recognized with many more awards, however, he would say that his greatest was his salvation and acceptance of Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. He served the Lord faithfully throughout his life as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member and friend, and called West Lake Baptist Church his “home” for the past 28 years. After a long life lived, Herb is now celebrating with Jesus.
The family invites everyone to come celebrate the life of their beloved Herb Richardson.
A visitation will be held Saturday, August 1, 2020 from 9:30-10:30 a.m., followed by a funeral service beginning at 10:30 a.m. at West Lake Baptist Church, 1439 FM 315, Chandler, TX 75758, with Dr. Lee Evans officiating. Interment will be held at 4:00 p.m. at Menard Chapel Cemetery in Segno, TX under the direction of Chandler Memorial Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the West Lake Baptist Church Student Ministries at 1439 FM 315, Chandler, TX 75758.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Chandler Memorial Funeral Home family.