Edward D. Richardson

Edward D. Richardson Edward "Ed" D. Richardson headed peacefully to heaven on October 4, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer. Ed or "Eddie" as he was known by his family in Texas was born in Midland, Texas on August 30, 1930, to Emmett D. Richardson and Martha Doris Hester. Ed was raised in the Methodist church and graduated from Midland High School in May 1948. As a teenager, Ed helped tend his family farm, broke horses on his uncles' ranches and obtained an amateur pilots license. He attended McMurray College in Abilene, for two years to study dentistry when he was drafted to serve in the Korean Conflict. He joined the United States Air Force in 1950 and was trained in radio and radar repair. He was sent to Okinawa and served at Naha AFB for two years. Ed was honorably discharged from the U.S.A.F. as an Airman First Class in 1954. He then resumed his education at Southern Methodist University and graduated in 1957 with a degree in business. Immediately after graduation he married Donna M. O'Leary on June 22, 1957, in St. Paul, Minnesota becoming a Roman Catholic in the process. Ed met Donna while he was attending school in Dallas at SMU and she was working as a flight attendant for Braniff Airlines out of Dallas. Ed and Donna started their family and ultimately settled in Tucson where Ed continued his education and received a master's degree in accounting from the University of Arizona in 1965. Ed became a C.P.A. in 1967 and began his career working for local firms in Tucson. He ultimately purchased his own practice specializing in tax accounting. Ed was appointed to the Arizona State Tax Appeals Board in 1976 by Governor Raul Castro and served on the board for 12 years. Ed enjoyed his work as a C.P.A. and his many loyal clients. He was an avid football and basketball fan and cultivated his skill at poker. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather and found time to serve his church and community as a parish council and school board member of St. Ambrose Church and as a past member of the Business Information Club and the Exchange Club. Ed and Donna celebrated their 50 years of happiness together in 2007. Ed was a quiet, kind man who always believed in doing the right thing by everybody. He was greatly admired by his family and friends and will be deeply missed. Ed is survived by his wife Donna of 51 years; brother, Joseph Lee Richardson (Rita) of Midland, TX; daughters, Shannon Terwedo (Randy) of Shingle Springs, CA and Shauna Cohen (Jerry) of Tucson; grandchildren, Jillian Terwedo of Northridge, CA, Patrick Terwedo of Shingle Springs, CA and Joshua Luckow of Tucson. Friends may call 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway with Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m. Mass will be offered, Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1800 N. Camino Pio Decimo, with burial to follow at Our Lady of the Desert Cemetery. The family suggests contributions in Edward's name be made to a charity of your choice.