Monroe Richardson

Monroe Richardson, 73, of Oriole passed away Monday, Dec. 15, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

He was born April 15, 1930, in Kennett, Mo., son of Burt and Vessie Wilburn Richardson. He and Leola Abernathy were married Aug. 14, 1950. They celebrated 53 years of marriage in August.

Monroe worked as a carpenter, in timber, and most recently was an independent contract delivery driver for the Southeast Missourian.

Loving survivors include his wife; three sons, Monroe Richardson Jr. and wife Sheila of Cape Girardeau, Billy Richardson of Cape Girardeau, Wesley Richardson and wife Laura of Jackson; six daughters, Catherine McJunkins and husband Dave of Osage Beach, Mo., Marie Mize and boyfriend Sonny McCain of Jackson, Lois Markem and husband Chris of Tallahassee, Fla., Shirley Simmons and husband John of Jackson, Elaine Byrkit and husband Mark of Plano, Texas, Betty Watson and husband Wayne of Marble Hill, Mo.; a sister, Clarice Parks of St. Louis; 24 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers and two infant grandsons.

Friends may call at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Donnie Ford officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery, with military honors to be conducted.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Cape County Regional Dialysis Center or the Missouri Kidney Program.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at mccombsfuneralhome.com.