On the 23rd day of January, Tommy P. Richardson, Sr. was called home to his Lord and Savior, from the comfort of his home, while surrounded by his family. He was 88 years of age and resided in the small town of Prairie Point where he was born on November 26, 1932, to John J. and Lyndel Penton Richardson.
He was joined in wedlock to the love of his life, Betty Ann Meyer from Forestburg, on November 11, 1955. Together, they had five children. Patricia Arlene Brown, Tommy P. Richardson, Jr., Judy Richardson Hachtel, Brian Todd Richardson, and Rebecca Ann Phillips.
A graduate of 195 of Era High School, the former football player was later inducted into the armed forces. One of his fondest memories was serving time in Japan before being honorably discharged. After he and Betty wed, Tommy owned his own tile business before moving back to the place they would call home in 1964. Upon returning to Prairie Point, he helped his family members and friends with love and pride, often partnering or doing business with them, and eventually became a cornerstone of the community and surrounding areas for over 56 years.
Although Tommy was skilled in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work, the handyman would prefer to be known as a farmer, a hobby he loved passionately. Since 2009, he took to writing and has since published three of five books of the Henry Jakes series, loosely based on tales he heard from his father and grandfather as a child from across the north Texas area. In the last year, this Farmer/Author created another short series entitled LASSO, to be in print in the near future. If you knew Tom, you knew he had a story to tell, and loved to tell his stories to his nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is survived by children Patricia Arlene Brown and Weldon Brown, Tommy P. Richardson Jr., Judy Richardson Hachtel, and Rebecca Phillips, all of Prairie Point, and sister Mary Jo Thompson of Plano.
Tommy was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Ann Meyer on March 31, 2006 and son, Brian Todd Richardson, on January 16, 1985, as well by his mother and father, siblings; Dan C. Richardson, Johnny R. Richardson, Wynell Nolan, and Treva Trigg.
Also survived by 17 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and numerous nephews and nieces.
In support of our local, state, and federal government including CDC directives and to protect the physical health, safety and well-being of our community, social distancing and the wearing of masks while attending the funeral services and visitation will be observed.
You are greatly missed
Now, safe in the hands of Jesus. See you later Brother.
To Judy and family. TOMMY will no doubt be missed. My fond memories of him, coming to the house and he would love to stop and talk with you. He was always doing something constructive. Taking care of his calves outside or writing while in the house. Always doing something for someone.
Along with my 2 children Sophia & Anthony
Arlene So sorry to hearing about the passing of your dad may the many memories you have help you thru this difficult time
Together again with Betty. You left alot of love with your family. The cows are probably confused and miss you terribly too. Prayers to Tommy Jr, Judy, Arlene and Becca. It’s hard to know this life without your parents here. Celebrate their life and memories and take comfort that there is no suffering or pain any more. God Bless each of you and the extended family that misses them.
Thankful you were part of my life. Rest In Peace Uncle Tom.
Will miss you Tom. RIP ?❤️
Brianna (and family) – I am so sorry to hear about your grandpa! I know how much he cared for you and vice versa. I’ll always remember him with a smile on his face. Love you, friend! Praying for so much strength and comfort on the hard days ahead.
Always loved to see Tommy at the bank and his stories. He was a good guy. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
What a precious man. He was a reader above all others. A sweet and humble man. I will remember him always with a smile and a smile in my heart.
I only knew Tommy for a short while, but we had a few conversation on the phone. He enjoyed talking about his book, and I had lots of questions about the characters and places. I ask him if he was the main character and he laughed and said, “Oh no he was a tall man”. I will miss his smile, and his empty place at church, as he sat in front of me. I can only imagine him today, at his new home, standing straight and tall, no pain, meeting old friends and family, but most of all Jesus. To each of you, I pray for comfort and peace as you rely on God’s love and your assurance that you can see your father again in Heaven.
im going to miss you everyday/ you have been around me almost as much as my own daddy was, and filled in for him when needed , ever time you’d see me out doing something you would stop [ even if i did’n want you too.. ] but before you left , i was always glad that you had stopped and sheared your own op. and know-how on the matter, yes we butted heads, and griped about each other, but their was a love there, and a respect like no other… and judy, thank you for putting your life on hold, to take care of my loved uncle 90% of the time, after we lost my my loved aunt.. and love and strength to the ;whole; tom richardson clan, love you all…johnny roy jr., hae-sun, johnny lee & ross
May God’s comfort keep you at this time.
My child hood around Becca’s dad was one with many stories. He loved to talk and always had something to say. Probably should have listened more than I did back in those days. I know he is dancing in the sky with Bettye. Prayers for my long time friend Rebecca and her family. Rest In Peace Mr Tom.
Shirley and Linda Raney , January 28 th 2021 Judy and family so sorry for your loss ….we think about y’all often . Linda works so want be able to come to service. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Shirley and Linda Raney
Dear Arlene, Judy, Becca, Tommy Jr and all family members
So sorry we cannot come to the gathering today but due to age and health issues, we decided not to come. Please know you have been in our thoughts and prayers. Demps and Tommy were good friends. You ladies are special to me.
My deepest sympathy to Arlene, Becca, and Judy and all family members.
With our love, Ann
We are so very sorry for the loss of your Dad..Tommy will forever be missed..the Reunions will never be the same he was such a special man.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all…it’s not goodbye it’s see ya later…we love you Tommy
Sending good thoughts and Prayers to you all. Wished i could be there today. Doyle
To the most caring him there ever was he will be truly missed and my heart will be heavy for awhile. He was the best uncle anyone could ask for. For myself, my mother, and brothers and sisters we send our condolescents and hugs for the difficult time oyr prayers are with you.
We love you so much and will miss you dearly. Forever in my heart papa
Much love and respect for Uncle Tom. He always had a smile on his face, and was willing to help with anything. I have such fond memories of Tom, Dan and daddy always working down at the lake with me as their gopher.
Prayers going up for Becca, Judy, Arlene, Brianna and the rest of the Richardson family. We love you ❤️