Guy H. Richardson, a lifelong resident of Poplar Bluff, passed away on May 6, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.
Guy was born Dec. 5, 1950 in Poplar Bluff to Robert and Wanda Richardson, both long-time teachers in Poplar Bluff, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1968. Upon graduation, he received a Congressional appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. where he graduated in 1972. During his time at West Point, he was a star baseball player, receiving the Most Valuable Player award his senior year. In 1972 he was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Army, serving for six years before completing his service as a Captain. During his service he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and National Defense Service Medal, also becoming Airborne qualified and earning the Expert Infantryman Badge. He served tours of duty at Fort Benning, Georgia, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and Fort Lewis, Washington.
Guy received his Masters Degree from the University of Southern California and went on to attend law school at Memphis State University, where he received his Juris Doctor degree in 1980. He returned to his hometown of Poplar Bluff where he practiced law for 37 years. He was highly respected by his fellow attorneys, known for his outstanding trial skills and his tireless commitment and dedication to his clients.
Guy was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for deer hunting. He had a keen interest in and spent many hours searching for and collecting arrowheads and other Native American artifacts in the local Ozark hills. He spent his summers playing softball in local leagues, and coaching youth baseball teams. He was a sports enthusiast and a dedicated St. Louis Cardinal fan.
During his youth Guy was active in the Boy Scouts, where he was a leader in his troop and achieved the coveted Eagle Scout Award. He was also a member of the Order of the Arrow and completed a 60-mile trek through Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico.
Family and close friends know that Guy lived life fully, and on his own terms. He was known for his unique humor, his quick wit, his practical jokes, and his ability to craft the English language to bring laughter to those around him. As a lawyer and as a person, he was committed to helping those who needed it most, often at his own personal sacrifice.
Guy's greatest gifts were his love and devotion to his family, a loving and committed son, brother and uncle. But his greatest passion in life was his children and granddaughters, who were his pride and joy, who held the most special place in his heart, and who received all the love and devotion that he had to offer.
Guy is survived by his three children, Kathryn (Richardson) and Christopher Ilg of New Jersey; Laurie (Richardson) and Keith Givand of New Jersey; and Gil Richardson of Poplar Bluff. Also surviving are his four siblings, Ruth Ann (Richardson) and Leslie Nations; Mark and Kathy Richardson; Matthew and Mona Richardson; and Cathy (Richardson) and John Likens; two grandchildren, Abigail and Megan; and 11 nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at the First Christian Church from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, May 11, followed by a celebration of life beginning at 1 p.m. Interment will be in the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boy Scout Troop 166 Robert Richardson Scholarship Fund c/o The First Christian Church, 1601 N. Main St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.
Online condolences: www.moorefuneralservice.com
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