Wilbur Richardson

Wilbur Johnson 'Jim' Richardson was born on Saturday, January 26, 1924, in Waverly, Kansas. He was the son of Clyde and Effie (Johnson) Richardson. Jim grew up in Waverly. He and Marjorie lived in Emporia; Kansas City, Kansas; and various locations in Oklahoma, moving to Ottawa in 1954, where he made his home until his death on Thursday, May 10, 2007, at the age of eighty-three years. Jim graduated from Waverly High School. Following World War II, he was employed by Standard Oil of Emporia. He also worked in communications five years for Santa Fe Railroad in Emporia. From 1958 to 1983, he was employed as a fabricator and assemblyman for Reuter Pipe Organ Company in Lawrence, Kansas. In 1983, Jim was employed by U.S.D. 290 as a custodian at Garfield Elementary School, retiring in 1998. During his retirement, Jim and his wife delivered flowers for A Bloomin' Florist of Ottawa. Jim served in the United States Army with the 333d Infantry as a Private First Class from August 19, 1944, to November 13, 1945. He served in the Rhineland Campaign and Central Europe Campaign receiving the Good Conduct Medal and Combat Infantryman's Badge. He re-entered into active service November 14, 1945, until May 14, 1947. He served as a military policeman, Technician 5th Grade, in Weinheim, Germany during World War II, receiving the Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal, Germany. He was a member of Waverly United Methodist Church. Jim was a loving father and husband who loved the outdoors and woodworking, and was an avid Jayhawk Basketball fan. On February 2, 1946, Jim was united in marriage with Marjorie Marie Shobe in Lyons, Kansas. They enjoyed sixty-one years together. She survives of their home. He is also survived by his son, Gary Richardson of Ottawa; niece, Marcia Ore of Overland Park, Kansas; and nephew, Larry Ore of Pleasant Hill, Kansas. Jim is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lois Tuttle, February 7, 2007; and niece, Linda Hill in 2001. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 14, 2007. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Richardson at the Dengel & Son Mortuary from 1 to 9:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. CEMETERY: Waverly Cemetery, Waverly, Kansas, with Military Honors by Hull-Cromwell Post #119 of Waverly. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Franklin County Cancer Foundation, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.