RICHARDSON, Ford LaFallette

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Thursday, November 4, 2010 June 12, 1922 — Oct. 30, 2010 Ford "Whitey" Richardson died the way he lived, a quiet pious man, always humble in his later years, but this gentleman did so much and asked so little. Ford was born in Greybull, Wyo., on June 12, 1922. A child of the depression, he learned early how an education is important and after his U.S. Naval Service proceeded to educate students for more than 30 years in his adopted state of Louisiana. Ford was a “Dec. 8” volunteer — the day after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor he hiked 15 miles to enlist in the Navy. Fords’ service was Jan. 12, 1942, to Nov. 11, 1945. Although his enlistment was delayed because of the sheer number of volunteers, the military could not induct them all in a timely manner, but he served with honor and duty on the USS Farenholt and USS Gregory as a Radar-Rangefinder Operator and a 4MM Gunner. During WWII, Ford was a recipient of 11 battle stars. He was a proud member of the VFW Honor Guard/Color Guard and had the privilege of serving on many funeral details for numerous veterans in Lake Havasu City at both the cemetery and Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home, among other places and locations. To him, serving his fellow veteran was a great honor. Ford had a wonderful marriage to Mackie for more than 34 years in Louisiana, producing two wonderful children, Stacy and Gregory, and then followed that up much later with his 13-year companion Lucille here in Lake Havasu City. Ford was a longtime Scout Master with the Boy Scouts, and in this capacity taught many children — including his nephews — hunting, fishing and the things many of them would have never had the opportunity to do if he hadn’t been there to teach them. In this respect, Ford was a very vocal supporter of the NRA, believing in our right to bear arms, as well as his long membership(s) in the American Legion, VFW (both in Louisiana and Arizona), and his chairmanship of the Buddy Poppy program through the VFW. His deep dedication and strong beliefs were practiced here at the First Southern Baptist Church of Lake Havasu City. Ford also had a belief in the history of our military, specifically in the naval history. He was integral in the restoration and placement of the USS Kidd, a Fletcher-class Destroyer (now museum) in Baton Rouge, La. Ford will be missed by many. His memory, sense of humor, gentleman’s honor and, most importantly, his Cajun drawl made him a unique and well-loved person. Arrangements are being handled by Lietz-Fraze Funeral Homes and Ford will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. A memorial is set for 1400 hours (2 p.m. for civilians) Nov. 7 at the VFW Post #9401. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.