Francis C. Richardson, 83 of Viola, died Thursday, January 12, 2023, at his home. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Gilchrist. Speer Funeral Home, Aledo, is assisting the family.
Francis was born on March 2, 1939, in Keithsburg, Illinois to Orville L. and Hazel F. (Kincaid) Richardson. He married Marlene Strosahl on September 28, 1957, in Viola, Illinois.
Francis was an over-the-road truck driver for Landstar for 16 years. In earlier years, he worked for Davenport Packing Company and Wilson Foods in Monmouth. He enjoyed tinkering around in the garage and, in younger years, he drove the street class at the East Moline Raceway. Francis loved working with and caring for his horses and going to flea markets and auctions.
Francis is survived by his wife: Marlene; children and spouses: Alan and Vicki Richardson, Karen Richardson and Ray Brokaw, and Margaret and Tim Smith; 13 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren; and siblings: Delores Brown, Fred Richardson, Joyce Gunsallus, and Marian and Howard Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son: David Lee Richardson; sisters: Leona Lundeen, Linda Richardson, and Carole Jean Richardson; and a brother in infancy.