Thomas E. Richardson
May 8, 1940 - May 24, 2023
RICHARDSON, Thomas Earl, "Tommy", age 83, lifelong resident of Fort Dodge, passed away May 24, 2023. He was born May 8, 1940, to Carl and Gladys (Meyers) Richardson. He attended school in Fort Dodge and then served his country and community through his enlisted service in the United States Navy and his time with the Fort Dodge Police Department. After completing his service, the Navy Veteran joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars as a Life Member of his hometown VFW, Post 1856, where he frequented often for a cold beverage and good conversation with even better company. Tommy’s stories will live on through the many friends he made at the VFW Post. After the Police Department, he worked many years in construction, up until just a few years ago he was still climbing ladders. His commitment to service and hard work were profound and characteristics that he shall be remembered for. He enjoyed his time on Okoboji Lake, where lifelong memories were made.
Tommy is preceded in death by his parents Carl and Gladys; his sister Shirley Siefert, his brother Carl Richardson, and stepson Tom Baker. He is survived by his longtime companion Paula Laughlin; his children Todd (Amy) Richardson of Sinton, Texas, Tonia (Scott) Rozner of Edna, Texas; stepchildren Steve Baker of Pocahontas, Megan Laughlin of Fort Dodge, and Nicole Trost of Fort Dodge; his grandchildren Jennifer Richardson, Ashlie Richardson, Todd (Jasmine) Richardson, Joshua (Marissa) Richardson, Madeline Richardson, Melissa (Jason) Jones, Maranda (Andy) Geerdes, Lauren Rozner, Eva Baker, Elizabeth Baker, Bailey Baker, Gia Howell, Bradley Baker, Amarion Gully, Gianna Jackowell, Keaton Jones; 9 great granddaughters and 8 great grandsons. His sisters Phyllis Clymer, Kay (Ray) Rogers, Janet (Jim) McKinney all of Fort Dodge, Deloris Carrier of Omaha, Nebraska, and sister-in-law Marilyn Richardson of Fort Dodge.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at West Lawn Cemetery in Lehigh, with Military Honors conducted by the VFW Post 1856. A Celebration of Life will follow immediately at the VFW Post 1856 at 518 S. 29th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. The family asks in lieu of flowers please make donations to VFW Post 1856.
