Mr. John W. Richardson

August 25, 1923 - January 24, 2018

John "Jack" W. Richardson, of Willow Springs, passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2018 while at Willow Care Nursing Home due to natural causes. Born on August 25, 1923 to John Webb and Sylvia Ruth (Smith) in Vandalia, Illinois; he was 94 years old. He grew up and attended the local schools in Vandalia. While in high school he met and fell in love with Mary Kathleen Weaver. They were married and to this union one son was born. They remained together until 1950 when Kathleen was struck and killed by an automobile. He later married Carol Ann Diebold and they were married December 8, 1978 in La Crescenta, CA. After living in Baja, Mexico for 15 years, Jack and Carol Ann moved to Willow Springs in 1996 where they remained. Carol Ann passed away in February, 2014. They were active and faithful members of Trinity Baptist Church. Jack had many interests in life. He loved cars and one of his many occupations was as an automotive mechanic; however, he also loved to race cars and to build "kit" cars. While living in California, he had his own business as a private investigator. Jack also had a love for Coca-Cola, and it was his drink of choice since the young age of 5 when a "pretty lady" offered him a coke. Jack proudly served his country during WWII. He served briefly (9 months) in the US Naval Reserve flight training. He was discharged in March of 1943. He then enlisted in the US Army Air Corp on May 27, 1943. He served in the South Pacific as airplane armorer gunner on a B25 until Oct 17, 1945. He received the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, the Air Medal with "1 OLC", and Good Conduct Medal. Jack also had his pilot's license and loved to fly. Jack will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Jack is preceded in death by his parents and his wives. He is survived by his son, John Scott Richardson and his wife, Linda of Kansas City, MO; a stepson, Robert Hemry and his wife, Pilar of Newport Beach, CA. Further surviving are 2 grandsons. Funeral services for Jack will be held on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Willow Funeral Home with Pastor Joel Hinds officiating, with visitation immediately preceding at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Disabled American Veterans or the American Legion and be left at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com