"Dear Gary and family-I just saw your dad's obituary listing. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting him at the Iowa Jazz Championships in Des Moines and it was such a pleasure. Trumpet players have an affinity for other trumpet players :) Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time and in the days ahead. Heaven's band just got a little more fun."
In loving memory of
Roger Allan Richardson
November 12, 1930 - January 10, 2020
Roger Allan Richardson, age 89, passed away Friday, January 10, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Norma June (Sellman) and four children: Pam Hammes, Gary (Brenda) Richardson, Peggy Trevino and Pat (Jon) Jaacks. Also surviving are grandchildren: Megan Plecker, Melissa Mabon, and Janna Hammes; Tyler Brady, Mallory Munden, and
Tess Monday; Alex and Olivia Trevino; Kyle and Eric Jaacks; and great-grandchildren Chase and Kenley Plecker; Jake and Brady Mabon; Taio, Trey and Landry Brady; Beckham and Blythe Munden; and Lennon Jaacks.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Julian (Hap) and Dorothy (Russell) Richardson and a brother, Russell Eugene, who was killed during WWII.
Roger was born November 12, 1930, graduated from Keota High School in 1948 and attended two years of college. He married his wife, Norma, December 7, 1950 at the Methodist Church in Keota. They lived in Independence and Cedar Falls, Iowa and Lincoln, Nebraska, where he practiced his career as a typesetter on the various newspapers in those cities. In 1967 he purchased his hometown newspaper, The Keota Eagle, which the Richardson family had been involved in since the 1890's. In 1990 Roger and Norma sold The Keota Eagle to the neighboring Sigourney News-Review but continued in the commercial printing business until 1995 when they retired.
The couple bought a travel trailer and did much camping and finally began wintering in Texas where Roger played his trumpet in several dance bands during the winter seasons there.
In March of 2016 Roger and Norma decided to return from their Texas wintering to their home in Keota, Iowa.
Roger was active in the community and his church and shared his talents playing the trumpet and singing in various bands and choirs.
Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 10:00 am on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at the United Church of Faith in Keota. Pastor Vince Homan will officiate. Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 14 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Powell Funeral Home in Keota. A private family burial will be held in the Keota Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the United Church of Faith, Wilson Memorial Library or Washington County Hospice. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com
Tributes
"Great memories abound when I think of sharing the stage with fellow Winter Texan Roger, in the trumpet section at Palm Shadows Big Band Jam, in Donna, Texas. If there are trumpet performers in Heaven, I'm sure he is already signed up. Dean W. Schilling Alamo, Texas"
"Norma-Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. KBB won?t be the same without Roger?s trumpet and vocals.
Henry and Liz Harris"
"I will always remember how Roger helped me with the school page of the Keota Eagle while I worked at the school. I had no idea what I was doing. His kindness and patience were always appreciated. He will be missed. Debbie Hammes"
"Great man his thoughts and his Fun will be missed"
"Will always remember this awesome gentleman when I hear a trumpet ? "
"Will always remember this awesome gentleman when I hear a trumpet ? "
"Pam Hammes and family you are in my heart and thoughts this evening as I read the obituary of your Dad. I did not meet him but you and your family are a great tribute to him. Praying for your peace and enjoyment of the many great memories. He will see you again when it is time. "
"Norma, your family certainly has our sympathy. Roger and you we are so important to the Keota community. We remember the chili dumps and the BeNo. Those were good days with the town of Keota thriving you and he were a big part of that. We are thinking of you and your family. Jerry and Jacque Powell."