Rene Thomas Richardson, 86, passed away on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  

Rene was born December 27th, 1931 in Brookston, IN to the late James C. and Mary O. (Martin) Richardson.  He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sharon (Pearson).  

Rene served in the U.S. Army SFC during the Korean War from 1951– 1954.  He worked for the Lafayette Fire Department for 20 years, with the last 8 years as Assistant Fire Chief, retiring in 1977.  After his retirement he went on to work at Purdue University for 18 years as the Head Maintenance at Shreve Hall, retiring in 1995.   Rene drove cars for Lewis Motors for many years.

In Rene’s younger days, he played baseball for a semi-pro team in Brookston, IN.  Rene was a die-hard Cubs fan attending many games. One of his lifelong dreams was to watch the CUBS win the World Series.  Rene was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing rum after each round.  Rene was an avid NASCAR fan.  But most importantly he loved spending time with his family.   

Rene was proud to have been selected to travel to Washington D.C. on the Honor Flight for war veterans.

Along with his wife, Sharon, he is survived his youngest sister, Betty (Don) Taylor and his 4 children, Mark (Lynn) Richardson of Lafayette, Bobbi (Kevin) White of Lafayette, Becky (Craig) Garwood of St. Joseph, MO and Matt (Jane) Richardson of Oshkosh, WI.  

8 Grandchildren – Jamie (Brock) Kiser, Missy (Jesse) Schmidt, Dustin (Mary) Richardson, Tyler (Tiffany) Richardson, Adam (Julia) White, Nisha (Jordan) Nern, Casey (Shelby) Garwood and Drew (Blair) Garwood. 

15 Great Grandchildren – Caleb, Ethan, Micah, Landen, Chasten, Layla, Cody, Ashley, Brittany, Harper, Tenley, Emma, Wyatt, Ava, Hallie and 7 Great-Great-Grandchildren. 

He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters Helen, Velma, Rogene, Mary Alice and Fern; brothers Jimmy and Bus.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to 11:00 A.M. service Monday, August 6, 2018 at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel. Officiating Rev. Kevin Bowers. Interment Tippecanoe Memory Garden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rene’s memory may be made to the Disabled Veterans Association or Riley Children’s Hospital.