Recent Obituaries: Keith Richardson
Keith Richardson, 91, of Sullivan, formerly of Bethany, passed away peacefully at his home at Heritage Woods “Courtyard Estates” of Sullivan on October 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Sunday, October 25, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Bethany. Memorial services will be held 12:00 p.m. Sunday at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Bethany. A private burial will be in Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany, with Military Rites by the Bethany American Legion Post #507. Memorials may be made to the Bethany Veterans Service Organization Post #507.
Keith was born on January 25, 1935, in Decatur, to Reverend Otto and Sylvia Richardson. His early years were spent getting into a little trouble, but his life took a different direction when he joined the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Serving as an aircraft mechanic, Keith developed lifelong knowledge of airplanes. Even at 91, he could still name the planes he worked on and explain what they did.
Following his military service, Keith married his beloved wife, Joyce Moore and they welcomed their oldest daughter, Pamela. The family then moved to California, where they spent 15 years and welcomed daughters, Nancy and Kathy. Eventually, they returned to Illinois, where their twin sons, Brian and Brent, completed the family. At the urging of Keith’s best friend, Chester Doris, they settled in Bethany, where they raised their five children and built a lifetime of memories.
Keith worked at Firestone for 25 years, retiring in 1991. Retirement, however, never meant sitting still for long. He stayed busy with handyman work, giving advice at the “Garage of Knowledge”, riding around in his golf cart with Joyce, and walking his best friend, Lucky (the dog he never wanted but came to love.)
Above all, Keith was a proud father to Pamela (Kevin) Stetler, Nancy (Terry) Wendel, Kathy (Rick) Rhodes, Brian (Chris) Richardson and Brent (Traci) Richardson. He shared a special love for each of his children and the families they built.
Keith lost his beloved Joyce in 2020, leaving behind a lifetime of love and memories. He adored his grandchildren: Zachary Stetler, Cody Stetler, the late Jeremy Hill, Justin Hill, Mandy Stollard, Molly Rhodes, Leslie Richardson, Taylor Eckel and Sydney Clawson. His family continued to grow, blessing him with 14 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, grandson, Jeremy Hill; sisters, Sharon Hook, Sue Grotjan and Betty Jane Richardson.
In his final days, Keith was able to visit and share conversations with the people he loved most. As he grew weaker, his family remained by his side, surrounding him with love until he peacefully fell into his final sleep. On October 19, 2026, Keith was reunited with Joyce, resting once more in God’s glory and peace.
The family would like to give special appreciation to the staff at Heritage Woods “Courtyard Estates” of Sullivan for the care and treating our Dad as Family.
Keith will be loved and missed forever, but his family knows how blessed they were to have him for so many years. His life was filled with hard work, family, friendship, laughter and memories that will live on for generations.
And, as Dad always said “They all went to heaven in a peach basket; Toodles!”
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com
