Marvin Claude Richardson

Marvin Claude Richardson, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather passed away on March 5, 2026 @ 11:38 am. He was born at home, April 27, 1938 near Starvation Curve and Olive Branch Church in Wayne County, Illinois. The first son of Estella "Ruth" Cross and Claudia Clifton Richardson. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife, Eula Jean 'EJ" of 62 years, a brother, Maurice, son-in-law, Paul Kendrick, and two great grandchildren, Malaki David Richardson and Lorella Gail Callahan lost during pregnancy.

As a young man, he enjoyed hunting, roller skating, and cars. In 1957, he met the love of his life and future bride, Eula Jean "EJ" Story at a skating rink in Dahlgren, Illinois.

They were wed on June 8, 1958 at the First Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. He is survived by a son, Kerry Brent Richardson, spouse, Barbara Capps, and a daughter, Lawanna Gail Richardson Kendrick Karcher and spouse, Roland Karcher, five grandchildren, Clifton H. Richardson and spouse, Sarah Lawrence, Brent A. Richardson and spouse, Casey Welker, Jason L. Richardson and wife Jerica Hill, Ranzie M. Kendrick Callahan and spouse, Jeffery Callahan, and Christopher P. Kendrick. Bonus Grandchildren: Kurt Karcher (Brandy) and Lynn Karcher Hutchison (Laramie). His brother, C. Wayne Richardson and wife Judy, nephew, Kevin Richardson and niece, Crystal Richardson.

Great Grandchildren: Colt, Nora, Wyatt, Tobias, Rebecca, Zachariah, Ledger, and Blaine (due in June) Richardson, and Kendrick, Adler, Raeya Callahan, and Ava and Mia Kendrick. Bonus Great Grandchildren; Landon and Levi Hutchison and Kaitlyn and Ella Karcher.

He has had several hobbies and enjoyment through life. These include IBM card club, square dancing, bowling, watching his kids and grandkids. He loved to buy and trade collectible knifes. He enjoyed going to car dealers to check out the cars. He was a "trader", EJ would say, he would trade her if he was offered enough.

He loved his cattle by buying, selling, and raising. After he was not able to have his own, he would watch RFD TV and lived through son, Kerry's farm. He enjoyed the local cattle auctions. He was a life time member at several saddle clubs, where he was involved by board member, officer, judging, and announcing. He was an IWHSCRA Judge. He raised and trained Quarter Horse colts for halter showing. He loved feeding, bathing, and taking care of the horses so his kids could ride and show. He and EJ had a kennel called MarJean where they raised dogs for sale. He also raised goats and pigeons. He was a lifelong 4-H supporter. He would announce the shows at the fair and cattle auction each year. He is known for his saying, "It is Show Time,"

He was a laborer on several construction jobs and sold cars at Svanda and Tyler Jefferson Motors until retirement. He also held an office with Dodds Township.

He was a faithful member of Bakerville Freewill Baptist Church in Mt Vernon where he attended every time the church doors were open. His church family feels the loss of his presence, especially the empty spot where he set. Marvin is "Gone, but never forgotten".

The visitation will be held at the Bakerville Freewill Baptist Church in Mt Vernon, Illinois on Thursday, March 12th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 13th at 10 am at the church with Pastor Robert Craig officiating, with graveside services and a meal to follow. Please join us for fellowship and celebration of Marvin's life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bakerville Baptist Church.

Marvin will be remembered for his love of his family, his devotion to his wife, his passion for horses, and farming and the many friendships he built throughout his life.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.johnstonfuneralhome.com