“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 …Alan took this verse as his life purpose.
Alan H. Richardson Sr., 80, of Elizabethton, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2014, at Hillview Health Center.
A native of Garwood, N.J., Alan was born in East Orange, N.J., on June 2, 1934, a son of the late John Frances Richardson Sr. and Gertrude Hammond Richardson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a nephew.
Mr. Richardson graduated from Wheaton College, where he met his wife, Ellen. He taught school in Van Orin, Ill., and also at Wheaton Junior High School. He lived in Illinois and moved to Elizabethton in 1980, where he taught English for 16 years at Unaka High School.
Alan was a member of Memorial Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder for 29 years, Sunday School Superintendent and Grow Group Leader. He was a member of the Chancel Choir. He was a United States Army veteran.
Mr. Richardson is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ellen Sawyer Richardson, of the home; two daughters, Kathleen Danuser and husband Daniel, Elizabethton, and Sarah Ellen Richardson, of the home; his sons, Alan Hammond “Chip” Richardson Jr. and wife Kimberly, Troupe, Texas, David Sears Richardson and wife Kimberly, Waynesboro, Va., and Samuel Spencer Richardson and wife Stephanie, Martin, Tenn.; his grandchildren, John Richardson, Emily Richardson, Jeremy Richardson, Grace Richardson, Jennifer Merryman and husband Daniel, Andrew Richardson, Charles “Jake” Danuser, Steven Richardson, David Richardson, Josiah Richardson, Michael Richardson and Josh Richardson; three great-grandchildren, Addison and Jackson Merryman and Arya Richardson; and a brother, John Frances Richardson Jr. and wife June, Fort Collins, Colo. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A graveside service for Alan H. Richardson Sr. will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 16, in the Blevins Cemetery with Rev. Calvin Jett officiating. Music will be provided by Jon Shell, bagpiper. Active pallbearers will be Mr. Richardson’s grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be David Turpin, Ken Simmelink, Deacons and Elders of Memorial Presbyterian Church and Mr. Richardson’s friends and neighbors. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday to go in procession. A memorial service to honor the life of Mr. Richardson will be conducted at 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 16, at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Elizabethton with Rev. Calvin Jett and Rev. Steve Meyerhoff officiating. Music will be under the direction of Terri Money and John Wakefield. The family will receive friends at the church from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the service, or at the residence at anytime. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and nurses at Hillview Health Center and to Caris Hospice for all the love and care shown to Mr. Richardson and his family during his illness. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Memorial Presbyterian Church, 100 East F Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Richardson family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.