Laurence L. Richardson Obituary (1931 - 2011)

Laurence (Larry) (Butch) L. Richardson, 79, Rockford, Illinois, died at 4:30 a.m., Sunday, January 09, 2011 in his own home after a brief illness. Born November 19, 1931 in Rockford, Illinois, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William and Edna (Niman) Richardson. Married the former Carolyn Millard in Rockford, Illinois on September 26, 1952. He farmed his entire life in the Rockford and Durand areas, retiring from farming in 2006. He also worked for the State Hwy Dept from 1957 – 1966 and for the Rockford Airport in maintenance from 1986 until he retired from there in 1997. He was a member of Burritt Community Church, Durand Masonic Logde #302 AF & AM and has been a life member since 1963, Eastern Star Durand Chapter #419, Freeport Consistory-Valley of Freeport Scottish Rite 32nd Degree Mason, Swords of Bunker Hill, Tebala Shrine, Rockford, Treasure of the Past Masters Club and High Twelve Club of Tebala Shrine, Northwest Illinois Two Cylinder Club and Northern Illinois Vintage Tractor and Engine Association. He was a longtime active member of the Democratic Party where he was a Democratic Precinct Committeeman of Owen Township for many years and a member of the Winnebago County Zoning Board of Appeals. Graduated from West High School, Rockford, Illinois, Class of 1950. Survivors include wife Carolyn Richardson, Rockford, Illinois; son John (Lori) Richardson, Roscoe, Illinois; daughter Susan (David) Weber, Durand, Illinois; grandchildren Andrew (Morgan) Weber, Rockton, Illinois, Nicholas (Amanda) Richardson, Machesney Park, Illinois and Kevin Richardson, Roscoe, Illinois; great grandson Dylan Weber, Rockton, Illinois and sisters Elsie France, Eugene, Oregon and Mary Lang, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Bill Richardson. Funeral Ceremonies will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 13, 2011 in Burritt Community Church with Reverend Larry Moody, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Willwood Cemetery, Rockford, Illinois. Visitation will be held at McCorkle Funeral Home, 101 Main Street, Durand, Illinois from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 12, with a Masonic Service being held at 6:45 p.m. Memorials may be given to Tebala Past Masters, Burritt Community Church or Heartland Hospice.