Kenneth E. Richardson

Kenneth E Richardson, age 83, retired mayor of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, passed on Thursday, November 22, 2012 at his private residence in Upper Sandusky surrounded by his family.

Mr. Richardson was born on September 21, 1929, in Upper Sandusky to Norman and Gladys (Outhwaite) Richardson, both of whom are deceased. He married Norma (Dall) Richardson, on January 27, 1951 in Upper Sandusky and she survives.

He is survived by three daughters; Cindy (Allen) Boes; Jodi (Terry) Johnson, Upper Sandusky, and Kendall Richardson, Findlay. Eight granddaughters; Lindsay Snyder, Atlanta GA; Aleasha (Brian) Himes, Grove City; Johonna (John) Rowe, McKinney, TX; Gwen Boes, Athens; Tiffany Boes, Kirby; Kendyll Ann Johnson, Brye Johnson, and Payton Johnson all of Upper Sandusky; and a brother, Byron (Thelma) Richardson, Upper Sandusky.

Mr. Richardson served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era in the Second Armored Division. He held membership with the following organizations in Upper Sandusky, Lions Club, Elks Lodge BPOE # 83, where he held life membership of both organizations, and a member of the American Legion #225, Amvets # 777. He was also a life member of William Naus VFW Post 2842 where he served as a post trustee for many years.

Mr. Richardson graduated from Upper Sandusky High School in 1948, where he was co-captain of the undefeated NOL football team of 1947.

He established the FTD Richardson's Flower Shop in 1950 before entering the army and sold the business in 1974.

Mr. Richardson was of the Methodist faith and believed deeply in the spirit of volunteerism and in individuals who developed opportunities for better living.

Mayor Richardson served on City Council and Board of Zoning Appeals before being elected to his first term as Mayor in 1976. During his six terms as Mayor, he was chiefly responsible for the city receiving many federal and state grants for projects such as the reservoir expansion, parks, bike paths, downtown revitalization, safety building and city hall. In conjunction with the Ohio Department of Development, and through annexation, he aggressively sought new industries and commercial development around three of major intersections in Upper Sandusky. In recognition of his many efforts, Richardson also received the Ohio Department of Development Director's Award established under Gov. George Voinovich.

Kenny enjoyed riding his bike daily wearing his Ohio State ball cap through the Upper Sandusky community. He will be remembered for his love of his family, especially his wife, daughters and his grandchildren.

Funeral services for Kenneth E. Richardson will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 28, at the Lucas-Batton Funeral Home in Upper Sandusky with the Rev. Wayne Geissinger officiating. Burial will follow at Old Mission Cemetery with military graveside rites being conducted by the VFW Post 2842 Honor Guard with the presentation of the flag, to be followed by a rifle salute by the Upper Sandusky Veterans Color Guard.

Visitations will be held on Tuesday from 12:00PM to 9:00PM at the Lucas-Batton Funeral Home in Upper Sandusky with the family present from 2:00PM to 4:00PM and 6:00PM to 9:00PM.

Memorials may be made to WCHS, VFW 2842 Military Room Endowment Fund, Wyandot County Home Health Agency, John Stewart Methodist Church, or a charity of the donor's choice and can be sent to Lucas-Batton Funeral Home, 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351.