Ray Richardson

Pastor Ray M. Richardson was born to Ollie and Roy G. Richardson, on November 11, 1922, in Algona, Iowa. He was the third child, with an older brother Robert, and sister Mildred. Around the age of 13, he came to know the Lord Jesus as his own personal Savior. Ray graduated from Algona High School in 1940, and began working in the furniture store with his father and brother. But God had a higher calling. After two years Ray knew he was called to be a preacher of the Gospel. On July 12, 1942, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Virginia Spear. He attended college in Ottawa, Kansas, where he also pastored a small country church. From there he went to Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois. During his senior year, he was called as part-time Pastor to the Baptist Church of LaCrosse, Wisconsin. After graduation he became full-time Pastor. Through the years he was Pastor of churches in Stewartville, Minnesota, Waukon, Waverly, and Winterset, Iowa, and again in LaCrosse. God blessed Ray and Virginia with eight children: four boys and four girls. He was a wonderful husband and father, who always had time for his family in spite of the busy demands upon a pastor's time. Ray's hobby was tuning, repairing and rebuilding pianos. His skill was in high demand at churches, and in the homes of all his children. His wonderful sense of humor lightened many moments. As a preacher of the Gospel, Ray knew he could do nothing except as the Lord spoke through him. One of his favorite verses was II Corinthians 4:7. "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." He regarded it as a joy to serve his Savior. "There is Joy in Serving Jesus" was one of his favorite songs. God gave him a beautiful singing voice which he often used for God's glory. After retirement at the age of 65, Ray continued preaching as the opportunities came until it became difficult because of his Parkinson's disease. In 2003, he and Virginia moved to Friendship Village in Waterloo. He was a member of Hagerman Baptist Church. On April 18, 2006, Ray went to sleep and woke up home in Glory! His great desire was that all would have that same assurance of an eternal home in Heaven, because of a faith in the saving death of Jesus Christ, his Saviour. Ray is survived by his wife Virginia; his seven children and their spouses: Mary & Gerry Welch of Cypress, Texas; Ginny & Jim Garnett of Ankeny, Iowa; Stephen & Susan Richardson of Tampa, Florida; Sharon & Douglas Laird of Robins, Iowa; Mark & Debbie Richardson of Clearwater, Florida; Marcia & Craig Johnson of Indianola, Iowa; and Dan Richardson of Houston, Texas; 24 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren; and a growing number of great grandchildren & step great-grandchildren! In addition, he is survived by his sister, Mildred Black, and step-mother, Beulah Richardson, both of Algona, Iowa, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, brother Robert, and son Kenneth.

Ray Richardson

November 11, 1922 - April 18, 2006