Olin Charles Richardson, known to his friends and family as Charlie, passed away at the age of 91, in Maryville Missouri, on February 18, 2020. This red-headed boy was born to Olin Fleming and Roxie Anis (Bowen) Richardson in the family farmhouse of his paternal grandparents north of Hatfield, Missouri on the 16th day of February 1929.
Charlie grew up in a tightly bonded family, surrounded by many beloved cousins, friends and neighbors. He attended the Long Branch Country School with his 3 older sisters, Ava, Roberta and Helen. After graduating from Hatfield High School in 1947, Charlie spent some time in Oregon working in the logging industry as a log driver. Later, he joined his Uncle as a house and building mover in the Ringold and Decatur County Iowa area.
In 1951 Charlie enlisted and proudly served his country in the Korean War – 353rd Transportation Fifth Army. Returning from duty in 1953, Charlie joined his father in farming. He was often reported driving too fast down the country roads in his 57 Retractable Hardtop or seen on his stallion Hobo Reed, roping or participating in Pony Express reenactments.
In 1964 Charlie married Winifred (Roberts), a beautiful English lady from Liverpool. Together, they raised 3 strong farm-fed kids: Jamie, Lisa and David.
As a cowboy wearing a Stetson or a farmer in a Pioneer Seed Corn hat, Charlie was a diligent steward of the soil for 40 years. Raising Charolais cattle, corn and soybeans – owning a few too many Quarter horses and coon dogs – he worked hard; his boots told the stories of the fence lines walked, the tractor pedals pushed, the rush to help a distressed calf and more than enough cuss words muttered at stubborn cows. Hunting was a sport that kept his legs strong after long days running the combine; he was a sharpshooter, with an eye for a big buck in the brush or a raccoon in a tree.
Charlie loved pie, the Celtics, Cardinals, croquet, cribbage, and Winnie’s homemade ice cream. He liked telling stories with fellow neighbors at the Hatfield Station, and numerous other coffee hangouts. Following retirement, Charlie and Winnie enjoyed the next 22 years on the road, traveling the United States. Casa Grande, AZ, became their winter home and Bethany their summer – cultivating many new friendships along the way.
He was predeceased by his parents; brother Roland Richardson (infant); sisters Ava Lloyd, Roberta Parsons and Helen Arkoff; brothers-in-law Leo Lloyd and Gerald Parsons.
Charlie is survived by his wife Winnie; his children, James McBroom (Jeanie), Eagleville, Lisa Macali (Al), Maryville, David Richardson, LeHigh Acres, FL; his grandchildren, Christopher McBroom, Melissa Henggeler, Kyle Macali, Ian Macali, Lauren Macali; 3 great grandchildren; his nieces, nephew, and cousins; sister-in-law, Patricia Bjorland; brothers-in-law, Harold Arkoff and Ron Bjorland.
Charlie lived a simple life of Christian values, he was full of pride in his family, and devoted to caring for his wife. His family will miss his ornery spirit, and forever remember him with “Impudence and Dignity” and a buckeye in his pocket.
Charlie has been cremated under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Memorial Services will be held at a later date. He will be inurned at Payne Cemetery, Hatfield, where four generations of ancestors rest. Memorial contributions may be made to Payne Cemetery, Lamoni Pubic Library and/or the Bethany Public Library in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.