James Matthew Richardson

James "Matthew" Richardson, age 22, of Stilwell, KS, died April 25, 2010 near Paola, KS. He was born on May 14, 1987 in Olathe, KS, the son of James Richardson and Jean Ann (Shipps) Shotton. Matt joined the Army in Nov. 2006 and received training as a Cavalry Scout at Fort Knox, KY. He continued his training as a paratrooper at Ft. Benning, GA. He was assigned to 5/73 Cav. with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. While assigned with the 5/73 he served two tours in Iraq. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal (3rd award) Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), Combat Action Badge and the Parachutist Badge. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jean; grandmother, Georgie Shipps; grandfather, Perry Richardson, 3 uncles, George Shipps, William Richardson and John Richardson. Survivors include his father, James and sister Jennifer, Stilwell, KS; stepfather, Jon Shotton; brother, Dakota Shotton and Sister Bethany Shotton, Osawatomie, KS; maternal grandfather, Bill Shipps; Paternal Grandmother Eleanor Richardson, Louisburg, KS; several aunts & uncles. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 29, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. " 7:00 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Louisburg Chapel. Funeral Service will be on Friday, April 30, 2010 at 9:00a.m. at the funeral home, Graveside services with full military honors at Fort Scott National Cemetery will be at 12:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given to the 82nd Airborne Division Historical Society P.O. Box 70119 Fort Bragg, N.C. 28307.