W.D. “Doug” Richardson, 73, and Barbara Richardson, 71, both of China Spring, passed away Monday, June 6, 2011 at their residence. Memorial services will be 3PM Friday, June 10th at Crestview Church of Christ with ministers Leslie Jones and Jim Martin officiating. Visitation will be 6 to 8PM Thursday, June 9th at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com.
Doug was born February 17, 1938 at 410 Preston St. in Waco to William Earvin and Clara Mabel (Fletcher) Richardson. Barbara was born March 3, 1940 in Waco to Edgar Irvin and Lillian (Virgin) Skinner. They both attended LaVega High School which is where they met. They were married on May 8, 1959 in Waco. Together, they owned and operated a dairy farm from 1959 to 1971 in Bellmead and Lorena areas. Doug and Barbara co-owned Brazos Valley Orchards along with Brad and Virginia Harris back when the boys were teenagers which became affectionately known to the boys as “Alcatraz.” Then, Doug and Barbara started a medical reference lab in 1971 in the office of Dr. J.R. Forsythe. In 1976, while on a fishing trip on Lake Waco, Doug “shook hands” with Dr. Richard G. Fadal and a lifelong business relationship began and together formed Mid City Lab, which continues operations today. Doug and Barbara both enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors. They were passionate about their family, especially supporting the grandchildren in their sporting events at China Spring. They were longtime active members of Northside Church of Christ in Bellmead for over 50 years. Doug served as an elder and worship leader and Barbara taught numerous Bible classes over the years.
Doug and Barbara were preceded in death by their parents; and an infant son.
Survivors include sons, Brian Richardson and wife Pam of Waco, Bret Richardson and wife Lori of China Spring, and Alan Richardson of Waco; granddaughters, Holly Richardson and fiance’ Ryan Browning, Allison Richardson, Kelli Richardson, Reagan Richardson and Darcey Hyatt; grandsons, Chad Richardson, Ryan Richardson, and Taylor Hyatt; Doug’s sister, Patsy Ferguson of Portland, TN; Barbara’s brother, Larry Skinner and wife Lois; nephews, Mark Ferguson and wife Connie of Portland, TN, and Matt Skinner and wife Kirsten of McKinney; nieces, Linda McFarlin and husband Gary of Portland, TN, and Clair Skinner of Plano; and numerous other relatives.
In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to Northside Church of Christ in Bellmead.
They will be remembered by family and friends as a devoted Christian couple who willingly gave of their time and money to help others. Every person who knew Doug and Barbara knew them as “Difference Makers.” And for fifty-three years, they spent every waking hour together.
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My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the family. Doug and Barbara will be greatly missed.
Doug & Barbara will be greatly missed. We have fond memories of them and their love for the Lord. Our thoughts and prayers and with the family they left behind. We love you.
Doug and Barbara were special people and we loved them very much. We feel honored to have had them in our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We are so saddened by the loss of Doug and Barbara. They will be forever in our hearts and their family will always be in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all.
So sorry to hear of the tragic news. They were great people. I grew up at Northside COC where they both served. My thoughts and prayers go out to Richardson family.
Shelly.Allan and Richardson …my deepest sympathy for you all …may God be your guide and support you through this difficult time …You are all in my prayers today …..xoxo
(Cindy Forward …Newfoundland ,Candad,…..friend of Shelly’s)
I am so sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
We will miss Doug and Barbara. My Mother & Dad worshipped with Doug in at least two congregations–East Waco & Northside. Later, Harry & Charlene McElhaney worshipped with Doug and Barbara. I first met Doug when we were very young boys. Doug was my first real friend. I will never forget Doug and his family. Douglas and Barbara will always be in our hearts.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brian, Alan an Brett, just wanted you to know how sorry I am for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with ur family
I have such loving and vivid memories of both Doug and Barbara from the years of growing up at church and having such great examples of what a good Christian life looks like. I count that as a blessing. I can hear them singing in my mind even now with their voices blending together so beautifully. They always had such warm and inviting smiles for anyone around them. I thank God that I grew up being able to see such good Christian examples. I am thankful beyond all measure for both of them having touched my life in such a profound way. My love goes to all of the family. My prayers continue for each and everyone of you that God gives you the strength to endure your loss and the comfort that you need to get through pain.
Brian, Bret, Alan and family. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Each of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with all of the Richardson Family. Praying God’s grace and love will give you the strength to face the days ahead. With Love….
Richardson family… so sorry for your loss they will be greatly missed. may God bless and keep you.. with deepest sympathy Ken, Donna, Connor, and Kelsey Elliott
Brian,Brett,Alan,I’m so sorry for your loss,My prayers go out to you and your family.
KJ9TBrian, Bret & Alan:
Our hearts are grieving with yours at your tragic loss. We have many fond memories of your parents and your grandparents (1966-1970) at the LaVega church. We are praying that our Lord will bless all of you with an extra measure of His strength as you endure this trial. Prayers will continue to be lifted in your behalf.
We are so sorry for your loss. I know none of this makes sense but we are here for you and welcome you in our home always. We love you all. Rick and Gloria Cobb
My thoughts and prayers are with the family as they deal with their loss.
Dear Larry, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your sister and her husband. I will relay the message to my sister, Sharon. I know she and Barbara were friends. Hope all is well with you and we miss seeing you on the reunions. Fondly Helen
My thoughts and prayers are with each member of the family. May God bless each of you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
To all of you…I am so sorry for your loss. There is nothing that anyone can say that will take this hurt/pain go away. but you have to take comfort in knowing you all have many friends & family that are giving full support and here for you. my deepest love & sympathy. Love you!
Brian, Brett and Alan – There will never be enough words to describe how incredible your parents were. Your mom always had a smile on her face and your dad always had an encouraging word for everyone. They will be truly missed and all of you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. May God keep you in his arms during this time.
Bryan, Brett and Alan, Our hearts are huring for yours and our loss. We loved Barbara and Doug, too, and find it incomprehensible that they are gone. We pray that all of you will get through this very trying time stronger and more loving as I know they would want you to be. We love all of you, too. LaFon, Red and family
It was so sad to receive the news of Doug and Barbara’s passing. I do not know of two finer people. They were both so influential on me back in the late 50’s and early 60’s. I have fond memories of their dairy farm and the love of Jesus that they always shared with us all.
To the entire Richardson family, I love each and every one of you and when I think of you the word ex will never fit. You all will forever be my family and I am proud to wear the Richardson name. If I had been given the choice to go out into the world and hand pick my in laws I could have never picked any better. I will always love and cherish Doug and Barbara and the wonderful memories they and y’all gave me. A lifetime full of love and memories that I will never forget. I love you all. To Doug and Barbara, Thank you for the love, the advice (whether I wanted it or not), the memories, the joy, the laughter, your beautiful family (you created), and my wonderful children who I believe will be better people for having your example. I will always love you and never forget you. Your daughter in law forever.
Alan, please know that our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this most difficult time. I pray that God will wrap his love around you all and bring you comfort.
We are saddened over the death of Doug and Barbara. We are praying that God will give you comfort and wrap his loving arms around you all in this time of sorrow. Love Martin and Linda
My thoughts are with your family.
I pray that God will hold your entire family in His mighty, loving arms and comfort you during this time. While visiting my Mema, I remember always feeling blessed when Doug would lead singing. He was such a wonderful song leader and the songs easily lifted me heart to God. Barbara’s smile seemed to light up the room and she was never short on kind words to me. Even after departure, their light still shines in those they left behind. God bless you all. I love you.
Doug and Barbara made us feel welcome from the moment we met them. Always smiling, always helping, always there. They will so be missed.
Brian, Brett, Alan and families,
Our hearts hurt for you all. We only hope you find comfort from the scriptures and God’s promise of a resurrection – Acts 24:15, Ps.37:11,29,34.
Doug and Barbara were always wonderful to me. I have such pleasant memories of our years together at Dr. Fadal’s office and they were always so supportive. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Dear Family, your parents blessed the lives of so many people through their years together. Such precious memories for everyone that knew them. My prayers are for strength to get you all through the trying times. Their hand of friendship will be greatly missed.
To Doug and Barbara’s familys:
Please know how sad it is for me to hear of your loss. I have known Doug and his family since I was a school girl and attended church with the family for years. My husband and in-laws were very close friends of the family. Please know that you are all in my prayers. In Christian Love
I worked with the Richardson’s at Eastside in Bellmead.
They were a very nice couple and will be missed.
To Alan,Brett,Brian.
Just wanted you guys to know I’m thinking about you. You already know the rest. I am as lucky as you guys to have had wonderful loving and caring parents. Its truly a gift. I’m here if I can ever do anything for any of you.
Rusty Platt
I am so sorry for your loss, they seemed like beautiful & amazing people. I wish I had the chance to meet them. They are at rest & at peace now with God. My thoughts & prayers are with them & your family. <3
I am so sorry for your loss, they seemed like beautiful & amazing people. I wish I had the chance to meet them. They are at rest & at peace now with God. My thoughts & prayers are with them & your family. <3
We are so sorry for your loss. All of our thoughts and prayers will be with your family through out this difficult time.
Brian and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you all. I pray that God will wrap His arms around you and that you will feel His presence and love.
Suanne Gilleland
Doug and Barbara have been family friends for over 50 years and I have never known any more wonderful people. Doug help with both my parents funerals and his compassion and kindness were immeasurable. They will be missed by all the people they have touched through the years.
Brian & Bret, we are so very sorry for this deepest of losses. Please know you and all your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
We are so very sorry for your loss: we will continue lifting you up in prayer.
Ronnie, Coleen, and Austin
Brian, Bret, and Alan,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Rely on God’s strength to carry you through this difficult time for His grace is sufficient to meet every need. You are in my prayers!
I was in the wedding of my cousin, Barbara, and Douglas. Jim and I send our deepest sympathy to their families and friends. It has been wonderful to read the comments in this guest book. That should help in the difficult days ahead. deepest sympath
Brett and Lori,
There are no words to express
the sorrow we feel at your loss. You are in our thoughts
and prayers. We love you!
Mac & Dorothy